Cinco de Mayo celebrations and other events later this month are raising concerns about drunk driving across Missouri.
Tabitha Perkins, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Missouri, says Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday is consistently one of the most dangerous days of the year on the roads as alcohol consumption increases during celebrations.
“Especially with like Cinco de Mayo when you go out to a Mexican restaurant and there’s all kinds of margaritas and different alcoholic beverages,” Perkins said. “On May 5, the DWI arrests increase between 25% and 30% just on that day.”
Perkins says while that spike is based on nationwide data, the risk is just as real in Missouri. She notes that impaired driving contributes to a significant number of crashes and dangerous situations, including wrong‑way drivers entering interstates in metro areas such as St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City.
“The majority of the wrong‑way drivers that are entering the interstate are of an impaired state,” Perkins said.
Preliminary data for 2025 shows Missouri recorded 910 traffic deaths, with roughly 15% to 18% as many as 165 fatalities–linked to impaired driving, according to Perkins. MADD is encouraging Missourians to plan ahead before celebrating, use designated drivers or rideshare services, and speak up to prevent someone from driving impaired.
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