Missouri highway patrol offers tips for safe travel on New Year’s Eve
Last New Year’s, nine people died and 293 were injured in 821 traffic crashes in Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The 2024-25 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, and authorities are urging Missourians to do their part to keep those numbers low this year.
Superintendent of MSHP Col. Eric T. Olson encourages folks to drive safely and “make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration,” according to the press release. Here are ways to make sure you get home safe this holiday.
If you’re drinking, don’t drive
If your New Year’s celebration includes alcohol, the MSHP encourages people to have a designated sober driver or to use a ride share service or taxi.
“The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” the MSHP press release said. “If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life.”
Safe Home After Every Occasion, a social responsibility program, is offering 500 free Lyft rides home from 2 p.m. Tuesday until 2 a.m. Wednesday to people in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield. The program, made possible by Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Absolut Vodka, has provided more than 100,000 Missourians a ride home, according to the press release.
To redeem the free ride up to $30, use code BBGMONYE24 starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
“This is the fourth time we’ve sponsored this program in 2024 and have had great success on special occasions this past year helping Missourians get homes safe,” said Scott Johnson, executive vice president of Breakthru Beverage Missouri, in a press release. “Here in Missouri and across our North American footprint, Breakthru takes great pride in supporting programs like this while championing responsible consumption. As Missourians head out to celebrate the holiday season this weekend, we encourage them to take advantage of this program and get home safely.”
Travel safely on New Year’s
While Missouri became a hands-free state in August 2023, meaning drivers are prohibited from holding their cell phones while driving, law enforcement officers will begin issuing citations on Wednesday.
Additionally, the MHSP advises everyone to buckle up.
More:Three children, one adult injured in three-vehicle wreck Saturday on Missouri 14 near Nixa
“Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions,” the MHSP press release said. “The posted speed limit reflects the roadway’s classification and is not a suggestion!”
Travelers should also check road conditions before they travel. Additionally, Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.
Who to call if something happens
If you witness criminal activity or an emergency while on the road, call the MHSP’s Emergency Assistance Number at 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cell phone. Those emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.
For local emergencies, call 911.
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