KC Metro area sees a surge of traffic crashes on Labor Day weekend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Multiple crashes have been reported around the Kansas City metro this Labor Day weekend.

With many people traveling for Labor Day, law enforcement officials say safety is a top priority.

“Slowing down a little bit because we do know there are a lot of people on the roadway; it’s a busy holiday weekend,” said Kelly Johnson, Community Interactions officer for the Lee’s Summit Police Department .

“Nobody is in too much of a hurry; just give yourself some ample time to get where you are going, slow down a little bit, and make sure distractions are taken care of before you drive.”

The Kansas City Police Department is investigating after one person died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning near State Line Rd. and 63rd St.

KCPD also responded to a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a broken-down car Saturday evening on the Truman Road bridge over Manchester.

One person was critically injured, and another died at the scene.

FOX4 asked law enforcement officials what drivers should do if they run into car issues on the road.

“I would stay in my car, keep my seatbelt on and then call roadside assistance, even your local non-emergency number, so we can get behind you with lights and be able to get traffic to move over for you,” Johnson explained.

Highway 50 in Lee’s Summit was closed for over two hours Sunday afternoon as LSPD officers worked the scene of a serious injury crash.

Law enforcement officials remind drivers to limit distractions and always buckle up.

“I would say this weekend is going to be really busy on the roadways, so just be mindful and watchful of motorcycles, other cars, and traffic slowing,” Johnson explained.

“Just create some of that distance to be able to slow down and stop when you need to.”

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways this Labor Day weekend. MSHP says they will enforce the law and be available to assist the public. If you have an emergency, call 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

In an effort to keep roadways safe this Labor Day week, the Kansas Highway Patrol is participating in the annual “ Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over ” campaign and has additional enforcement to keep Kansas roadways safe and reduce the number and severity of crashes.

If you need assistance on a Kansas highway, call KHP for assistance at *47 (*HP), or for those traveling on the Kansas Turnpike, call *582 (*KTA).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.