As Missouri prepares for the upcoming 2024 Labor Day weekend, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging everyone to plan for a safe and responsible holiday. Safety remains a collective responsibility, whether on the road or water, with adherence to Missouri laws being paramount.
Alcohol consumption significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, vision, coordination, and comprehension. This impairment is exacerbated by the unique stressors of boating, including vibration, noise, sun exposure, and wind. The Highway Patrol strongly advises that if alcohol is part of any water activities, individuals should drink responsibly and never operate a vessel under the influence.
The official counting period for the 2024 Labor Day holiday will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024.
During the 2023 Labor Day weekend, 15 people lost their lives, and 477 were injured in 1,058 traffic crashes across Missouri, translating to one person being killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Troopers arrested 125 people for driving while intoxicated.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) during the Labor Day holiday weekend. With speed, inattention, and impaired driving being leading causes of traffic crashes, all available troopers will be on patrol, enforcing speed limits, seat belt laws, and impaired driving laws, while also being available to assist motorists.
Boating is a popular activity during the Labor Day holiday. Boaters are reminded to inspect fuel lines and hose connections for leaks before heading out and ensure the boat’s battery is fully charged. It’s crucial to turn off all electrical devices during refueling to prevent sparks, inspect the engine compartment for fuel leaks, and run the blower system for at least four minutes before restarting the engine.
In 2023, there were 12 boating crashes during the Labor Day weekend, resulting in three injuries but no fatalities. No drownings were reported, and 10 individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated.
Marine enforcement troopers will be actively working to ensure the safety of Missouri’s waterways during the holiday weekend. Boaters are encouraged to remain vigilant, courteous, and compliant with Missouri’s boating laws. Smaller vessels should yield to larger ones, and all boaters should avoid overloading their vessels and be mindful of their wake, as it can cause harm to others and result in enforcement action or civil liability.
On the roadways, drivers are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are in good working order before traveling. Safe driving practices include obeying Missouri’s traffic laws, wearing seat belts, and staying attentive. The goal is to ensure a safe holiday for everyone.
The public is urged to contact the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line at (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone to report criminal activity or emergencies. These numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. For those planning to consume alcohol during the holiday, the Highway Patrol strongly advises designating a sober driver, whether traveling by boat or car.
