Holiday Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign kicks off

Law enforcement officers cracking down through the new year

During this year’s Thanksgiving travel period from Nov. 22-26, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 431 traffic crashes, which included 138 injuries and four fatalities. They also arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated. In comparison, the 2022 Thanksgiving period witnessed 414 traffic crashes, including eight fatalities and 115 injuries, as well as 113 DWI arrests.

These very real numbers are a constant reminder of the need for safer driving habits, especially during the holidays when increased traffic and the potential for inclement weather require extra attention on Missouri roadways.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety emphasizes the Holiday Impaired Driving Campaign each year between Thanksgiving and the new year. If you’re planning a special celebration for the holidays, think first about a safe and sober ride home. Law enforcement will be out in force through Jan. 1, 2024, cracking down on impaired drivers.

Remember, if you feel different, you drive different. Don’t let anyone drive impaired. Learn more.

Follow these tips to stay safe this winter season

As the weather outside gets more frightful, it's important to follow these tips to stay safe this winter. Make sure your vehicle's maintenance is up to date, your gas tank is full, your tires are in good condition, and you keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, food and water, and other necessities in case you get stranded in the cold. Learn more.

Aging doesn't have to mean the end of driving

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Dec. 4-8. As people age, changes in their vision, physical fitness and reflexes may cause safety concerns on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asks family members to sit down with their older drivers and assess these changes to adjust driving habits or choose other kinds of transportation. Learn more.

MoDOT to host ribbon cutting for I-270 project

MoDOT's St. Louis district is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on Dec. 12 in honor of the I-270 North corridor project completion. To date, the project boasts eight reconstructed interchanges, seven new bridges, new pavement throughout the corridor, multi-use paths on both sides of the interstate, additional driving lanes and other improvements. Learn more.

National Historic Bridge Month - Kenton Bridge

The Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge is a suspension bridge that opened on Nov. 25, 1931. It connects Maysville, KY to Aberdeen, OH across the Ohio River. Previously, the only way to get between these cities was an old steam ferry. The bridge's name came from a famous frontiersman and soldier from the area who was also friends with Daniel Boone. Learn more.