by Sarah Thomack
St. Joseph Post
The message from the Missouri State Highway Patrol to 4th of July travelers is the same as every holiday weekend: Slow down and plan ahead.
“Speed is a contributing factor in the majority of traffic crashes,” says Sgt. Jake Angle with Highway Patrol Troop H. “Slow down, plan extra time in your trip, plan ahead. If your plans are going to include alcohol, obviously we want you to have a sober designated driver or place to stay and it’s just about using good common sense - slowing down, obeying all traffic laws and having a safe weekend.”
Angle says preparation is key and it’s the small things that can make the biggest difference.
“Kick the tires, check the belts if you’re going to be traveling this holiday weekend,” Angle says. “Same thing goes with your boat, make sure everything’s in tip top shape, check the fuel system, make sure, if you’re going to be boating early morning or late in the evening, that your lighting system is good, make sure your life jackets are on board.”
During the 2019 counting period, 15 people were killed and 457 injured in Missouri over the July Fourth holiday in 1,109 traffic crashes. There were nine boating crashes, which included four injuries.
The 2020 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2, to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2020.
Anyone who needs assistance on the road or water this weekend can dial *55 on their phone. That will connect them with the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters.