Every available state trooper is on Missouri roads this Memorial Day weekend.
During a press conference on Thursday, MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said AAA estimates a jump in road traffic.
“They say more than 39 million motorists are planning to travel more than 50 miles from home. And that includes nearly 800,000 automobile travelers here in the state of Missouri,” Hassinger said.
At the same time, drivers will also encounter construction zones across Missouri highways. MoDOT’s Becky Allmeroth says projects, like Improve I-70 and Forward 44, mean work zones will be widespread.
“No matter where in Missouri you are this weekend, if you are driving, you should expect to encounter a work zone,” Allmeroth said.
State transportation leaders say recent safety trends are also a concern. MoDOT’s Jon Nelson said traffic deaths increased in both March and April, compared to the same time last year.
“This is not the direction we want to be heading as we move into summer,” Nelson said.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Scott White said many crashes troopers respond to involve preventable decisions.
“So many of these incidents are tragedies that are completely preventable…those small decisions can mean the difference between life and death,” White said.
The patrol is also focusing on water safety, especially with recent heavy rainfall raising river and lake levels. Lt. Eric Brown said streams and lakes could have dangerous conditions.
“Higher water can also be a danger… it’s harder to see obstructions and it does result in a lot of floating debris,” Brown said.
Drivers, boaters, and swimmers are urged to use caution during this busy Memorial Day travel period.
Copyright © 2026 · Missourinet