The number of highway deaths over the Christmas break in Missouri is down from last year.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports two people died during the Christmas holiday counting period Friday through Tuesday.

The Patrol investigated 239 traffic crashes, which included two fatalities and 91 injuries.

Troopers arrested 130 people over the Christmas holiday weekend for driving while intoxicated.

During last year’s counting period five people died in traffic crashes. The Patrol investigated 213 traffic crashes, with 67 injuries. Troopers arrested 56 people over the 2011 Christmas holiday weekend for driving while intoxicated.

Troopers investigated both of the fatalities this year. Both occurred in the Troop D, Springfield area.

On December 22, Brandy M. Acheson, 38, of Sarcoxie, MO, died when the vehicle she was driving crossed the center of the roadway and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries in the crash.

The other fatality occurred December 23. William D. Pope, 36, of Springfield, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving traveled off the north side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree, then came to rest.