The Missouri State Highway Patrol counted seven deaths across the state as a result of traffic crashes over Memorial Day weekend. Five fatalities occurred in the Weldon Springs area, one in Willow Springs, and one in Rolla.
According to a press release, numbers were slightly down from last year. In 2018,16 people were killed in traffic crashes over the holiday weekend, with troopers investigating 294 traffic crashes and 124 injuries.
Between Friday evening and Monday night, troopers investigated nearly 300 traffic crashes overall with 106 injuries, made 95 DWI arrests, and 93 drug arrests.
In regards to travelling Missouri’s roadways, the MSHP said the only survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens.
“Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint,” said the press release. “We trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. Don't violate the trust."
During the counting period, one boating fatality occurred out of six boating crashes and three injuries. It took place at Lake of the Ozarks in Camden County, and according to a medical examiner, they were not wearing a life jacket.
Marine operations troopers made nine arrests for boating while intoxicated, and 27 drug arrests on waterways.