The official holiday weekend began at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is using all available officers on the roadways to help deter accidents.

Last year, two people were killed and 230 were injured across the state during the Fourth of July weekend. Troopers also arrested 50 people for driving while intoxicated.

The Highway Patrol will be using Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) as a way to be visible and reduce accidents when traffic is at the highest count, said Troop H Sgt. Sheldon Lyon. The operation means additional officers during the holiday.

“Personally, I think that traffic will be down this year,” Mr. Lyon said in regard to higher gas prices.

According to AAA, the average price per gallon for regular fuel in St. Joseph is about $3.80, almost $1 more than this time last year. Diesel has skyrocketed since 2007. A gallon currently sells for $4.57, while a year ago it was $2.79.

As of Thursday afternoon, Mr. Lyon did notice an increase in traffic on interstate highways in the area.

“The Fourth is an odd holiday,” Mr. Lyon said. “You don’t see as much distance traveled. It’s short trips to the lake or park.”

During the past five years, the Highway Patrol has seen 56 fatalities from traffic accidents during the Fourth of July holiday.

Mr. Lyon hopes the possibility of less traffic on the road will mean fewer accidents this year.

“We always hope people will obey the speed limit and not drive aggressively,” Mr. Lyon said. “And don’t drink and drive.”

The Highway Patrol says people should allow extra time for extra traffic and check traveler information online before their trip. The traveler information map where road construction and flooding information can be found is located at www.modot.mo.gov.

Mr. Lyon said working on a holiday is just part of the job for law enforcement officers. He also says those who work this holiday weekend will be compensated with time off later in the year.

The official end of the Highway Patrol counting period for the Fourth of July holiday will be at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Megan Tilk can be reached

at megantilk@npgco.com.