Travelers urged to take safety measures for Thanksgiving holiday

(KBSI) – Law enforcement encourage travelers to take safety measures when traveling for the holidays. Missouri law enforcement urge travelers to drive with caution for the holiday season.

“We anticipate a lot,” said Sgt. Clark Parrott with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “So we’re going to be out there, too, just making sure people get from point A to point B; as safe as possible.”

Sgt. Parrott says there will be higher police presence on roadways for traveler’s safety throughout the holiday season starting Wednesday from 6 p.m. to midnight on Sunday.

“We will be participating in several enforcement campaigns here in southeast Missouri to reduces fatal attraction crashes, to remove impaired, intoxicated, or distracted drivers from the roadway,” said Sgt. Parrott.

He reminds drivers to make sure they get enough rest before occupying the roadways.

“Even if you’re going to St. Louis or Springfield, make sure that you’re well-rested, that you’re prepared for it,” he said.

With holiday festivities and gatherings underway, he also points out the harsh reality that comes with drinking while driving. Last year his department arrested more than 100 people during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“I believe we had eight fatalities and worked over 400 traffic crashes, last year just in those four days across our state,” said Sgt. Parrott.

Drivers are encouraged to make good choices this season. Scott City Police Chief Chris Griggs says the best option for the community is to avoid hard penalties.

“If you’re going to drink and spend time with your family always have a designated driver to make sure you get to your destination safely,” said Chief Griggs.

Griggs also says when hitting the road this holiday season, rest and fluid intake is vital.

“Make sure you get plenty of rest plenty of fluids in case there’s some sort of delay. So, there will be a lot of interstate traffic, a lot of in town traffic as well,” said Chief Griggs.

Law enforcement officers urg the public to check their routes before leaving home.