Two people died and 75 were injured in 243 traffic crashes during the 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period

Two people died and 75 were injured in 243 traffic crashes during the 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The counting period began at 6 PM on December 30th and continued through 11:59 PM on January 2nd. No drownings or boating accidents were reported. Troopers additionally investigated 104 instances of DWI. During the 2022 New Year’s holiday counting period, one person was killed and 331 injured in 1,045 traffic crashes statewide. During last year’s New Year’s holiday, troopers worked 321 of those crashes which included 98 injuries and no fatalities. Troopers arrested 96 people for driving while intoxicated last year. Both fatal traffic crashes occurred in the Troop E, Poplar Bluff area. Numbers included in this story may change as more reports follow or if late deaths occur.