By RYAN SKAITH
According to preliminary statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, five people were killed in traffic crashes over the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period.
The counting period began at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 and concluded at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4.
Troopers reported a total of 187 traffic crashes, resulting in 87 injuries and five fatalities. Additionally, the patrol made 112 arrests for driving while intoxicated.
There were no boating crashes or drownings reported during the holiday.
The 2026 death toll marks an increase from the previous year’s holiday. During the 2024-2025 New Year’s counting period, one person was killed and 118 were injured in 264 traffic crashes.
While the total number of crashes decreased this year, the number of fatalities rose.
