Law enforcement agencies are stepping up enforcement operations over the winter holiday travel season.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H is taking part in C.A.R.E. Life Saver weekend that started Friday, Dec. 18 and rungs through Monday, Dec. 21.

During that time frame enforcement will be increased in an effort to stop motorists from driving impaired this holiday season and to reduce injury and deaths caused by impaired drivers.

“The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family,” said Captain James E. McDonald, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph. “If those celebrations include alcohol be sure to have a sober designated driver.  No one should have to endure losing a loved one during the holiday season.”

This year’s traffic crash counting period in Missouri is 78 hours in length and begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2015.

The MSHP said last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,159 traffic crashes during the 102-hour counting period. In those crashes, 14 people were killed and another 388 were injured. During the 2014 Christmas holiday, one person was killed or injured every 15 minutes.

Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

“This is a busy, festive time of year,” said Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Family, friends, co-workers, and other groups will plan special events and gatherings. If you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. A sober chauffer or other alternative transportation are always the best choices. Please wear your seat belt, obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and drive courteously. Make safety an integral part of your plans this holiday season.”