Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe Independence Day holiday. Whether planning to visit one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or hosting a backyard barbecue, everyone should make safety part of their plans. No matter how you decide to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws. During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 were injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,366 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated. In 2024, there were 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 12 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend.