You’re asked to be a courteous, attentive driver

You’re being asked to be a courteous, attentive driver during the 2021 holiday season.

The counting period for the Thanksgiving Holiday, which started Wednesday evening, extends all the way through 11:59 Sunday night.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic this year. Drivers should remain alert to changes along their normal route. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority.

Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public.

Over the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 12 people were killed and 379 injured in 1,166 traffic crashes.

Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good condition and that they are well rested before they start driving.

Col. Olson asks to remember that there is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired.