Missouri State Highway Patrol urges safe travel, boating over Fourth of July holiday
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Michael A. Turner is encouraging motorists and boaters to make safe choices during the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend.
The 2026 Fourth of July counting period will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continue through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.
With road construction continuing across Missouri, the patrol recommends travelers use the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map to check for road closures, delays, work zones and alternate routes before traveling.
During the 2025 Fourth of July holiday period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in 993 traffic crashes statewide. Troopers also arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated.
On Missouri waterways, troopers investigated 11 boating crashes that resulted in four injuries. No boating fatalities or drownings were reported during the holiday period, though 13 boating while intoxicated arrests were made.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water during the holiday weekend. Operation Dry Water focuses on removing impaired vessel operators from Missouri waterways.
Troopers are reminding boaters to wear life jackets, remain alert for swimmers and other vessels, and avoid operating a boat after consuming alcohol. Missouri law also prohibits discharging fireworks from a vessel.
Officials encourage anyone who witnesses criminal activity or an emergency on Missouri highways or waterways to call the patrol’s emergency line at 800-525-5555 or *55 from a cellular phone.
The patrol urges travelers to designate a sober driver or boat operator if alcohol or other impairing substances are part of their holiday celebrations.
