Drivers are ask to finish the year strong continuing the trend in reduction of traffic fatalities.

The complete release from MODOT is below:

 As the holidays grow near, the Missouri Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers of the important role they play in keeping roads safe during the Christmas and New Year travel season. Last holiday season, 27 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. There were 20 people killed in Missouri traffic crashes during the same time frame in 2023. This year, MoDOT and highway safety partners are urging Missourians to do their part in securing a fatality-free holiday.

“With less than two weeks remaining in 2025, we need a strong finish to continue Missouri’s downward trend in traffic fatalities,” said MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “We have a real opportunity to have a third year in a row of decreased road deaths, but we need everyone to do their part, especially as holiday travel brings increased traffic and, often, increased risks associated with driving behaviors or possibly the weather.”

Nelson emphasized there are simple actions every Missourian can take to help keep themselves and others using the roadways safe: Buckle up. Phone down. Slow down. Drive sober. Whether you’re sharing the road with a snowplow, driving through a work zone or coasting between company holiday parties, committing to these safe behaviors will help save lives and keep Missouri moving forward in the mission of traffic safety.

“Everyone can step up and do their part,” said Nelson. “Whether you are driving, riding, walking, or even just a passenger, we can all use the transportation system in a safe manner and encourage others to do the same. Let’s come together at the end of the year and each do what we can to keep our holiday travels safe and enjoyable.”

To help make your travel safer and plan your trip, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org and find the most updated travel information. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides more information for how all Missourians can do their part to achieve zero traffic fatalities. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com.