By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Many will be hitting the road as early as today to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.
The Missouri Highway Patrol wants travelers to keep safety top of mind as the roadways will increase with drivers heading back and forth for their Fourth of July plans.
Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says with the longer weekend the patrol is expecting to see an increased amount of travel
“People can travel further distances because they have more time to celebrate the holiday weekend,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Hux says the patrol will be out in full force starting today (Thu) for the July fourth counting period as they expect many to start their travel today
“And it will continue through 11:59pm on Sunday July 6th, as we are expecting people to travel back to return back to their destination on Sunday,” Hux says. “That’s when we’re expecting a bulk of the traffic.”
Hux reminds drivers as they hit the roads of Missouri’s new hands-free law now being enforced and the fines it can bring.
With the Independence Day holiday, there are other distractions such as fireworks, and Hux has one important tip for travelers that see those fireworks
“If you do see fireworks, don’t pull over on the side of the road to enjoy that fireworks show, get to a safe location,” Hux says. “A parking lot, somewhere off the road, if you’re on the interstate get on an exit ramp, somewhere there to where you do not have to worry about being struck by another vehicle.”
Hux also reminds drivers along with the hands-free law to not attempt to record any fireworks you see while behind the wheel but rather have a passenger do so if you want a video.
Hux also reminds drivers if any of those parties possibly involve alcohol, it’s important that if you know you are going to drink, to make sure you have a plan
“If you know that your holiday plans are going to include alcohol, plan ahead,” Hux explains. “Make sure that you have a sober driver to get you home safely, or stay the night where you’re at, if you consume alcohol, participate in any type of recreational or medical marijuana, anything that causes impairment, plan ahead, have a plan in place.”
Hux says during last year’s Fourth of July counting period, 14 fatalities occurred, 149 arrests for driving while impaired were made, and 12 were arrested for boating while impaired.
Hux says if you suspect someone is driving impaired, or if you need assistance, you can dial *55 to contact the Highway Patrol.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.