The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging people to drive safely over the Christmas holiday.

The patrol reminds motorists to check their vehicle before travel to ensure that it is in good working condition.

“Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Above all, please, please obey all traffic laws, be a courteous driver, and drive sober,” the law enforcement agency said in a news release.

Last year, there were 1,070 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 363 were injured. During the 2015 Christmas holiday, one person was killed or injured every 12.7 minutes.

The 2016 Christmas holiday counting period began at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2016.

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.

“On behalf of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I want to wish everyone a very, merry Christmas, ” said Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “As you make your way from one gathering to the next, please drive safely. If you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. A sober chauffer or other alternative transportation are always the best choices. Remember to buckle up, and let’s all make safety an integral part of our holiday plans.”