Zero Traffic Deaths Reported this New Years Holiday

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated fewer traffic incidents this New Year’s Holiday than they did last year. Traffic-related deaths were also down this year.

Last year, troopers investigated 115 traffic crashes and 59 crash injuries. They worked three crash fatalities and arrested 139 people for DWI.

This year the Highway Patrol reported there were 44 traffic crashes and 21 people were injured during New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and ended at 11:59 pm Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

The Highway Patrol also reported that there were no traffic-related deaths over the holiday counting period. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Driving while intoxicated arrests were also down this New Year's holiday. Troopers arrested 55 drivers for DWI this year.

The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Hands-Free Law Goes into Effect

Last year, 106 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in Missouri and voters have had enough. Driving while using a handheld electronic communication device is now against the law for all drivers in Missouri.

Photo by Mike Skoropad

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri period from 2013 to 2022, there were nearly 200,000 distracted driving related crashes resulting in at least 800 fatalities. According to AT&T, nearly nine in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving.

Under the new law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding a cell phone, manually sending or receiving text-based messages, recording or sending video calls or social media posts, and watching a video or movie while driving.

After passing a hands-free law 15 states experienced an average decrease in fatality rates of 15.3% and six states and the District of Columbia experienced a decrease of more than 20%.

The penalty for the first offense is a $150 fine, which goes up to $500 if it's in a school or construction zone.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Begins Jan. 1

The Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program was passed by the Clay County Commission in 2023. On January 1, the work begins when the program goes into effect.

To be eligible for the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program, you must turn or be 62 years of age during the calendar year 2025, a Clay County resident and own your home, the home you are claiming must be your primary residence, and you must be responsible for the property tax.

To enroll in the program, seniors will need a valid US Government issued photo identification, proof of all taxes paid, and proof of ownership.

The tax relief is not retroactive and all Clay County residents eligible for the tax relief, and who apply in 2025, will have a base tax year of 2024. The tax relief is calculated by subtracting the real estate property tax of the base year from the current year’s real estate property tax.

Participants are required to submit an affidavit every year after the initial application to ensure eligibility is still being met.

For more information about the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program, visit HERE. https://www.claycountymo.gov/563/2024---2025-Senior-Real-Estate-Property-

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bring in the New Year Safely

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a happy and safe New Year. One way for it to be happy is for everyone to arrive at their celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state.

During the 2023 - 2024 New Year’s period, nine people were killed and 293 injured in 821 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2024 - 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver or utilize a ride share service or taxi to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life.

If you plan to travel this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way.

Drivers can download the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone, and check road conditions before you travel. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Crashes and Injuries Down over Christmas

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that preliminary statistics related to Christmas holiday traffic incidences decreased this year.

The Highway Patrol reports that three people died in traffic crashes during the 30-hour counting period, which began at 6 pm, Tuesday, December 24, and ended at 11:59 pm, Wednesday, December 25. Troopers investigated 65 traffic crashes with 38 injuries this year. They also arrested 17 people for DWI.

During the 2023 Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 124 traffic crashes which included 2 fatalities and 71 injuries. Troopers arrested 81 people for driving while impaired during the 2023 counting period.

Statewide, there were 1,034 traffic crashes last year. In those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured.

There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2024 Christmas holiday counting period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.