During the Independence Day holiday the Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to remind the state's travelers of the importance of safety.

The 2004 counting period for the Fourth of July holiday will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

"If you travel to visit friends and family during this summer holiday, remember to buckle up, pay attention and obey the speed limit," said patrol Capt. Christian T. Ricks. "The fireworks and food will be there when you arrive. Please help make this a safe holiday."

Last year, Ricks said, 20 people were killed and 914 injured in Missouri in 1,262 traffic crashes. One person was killed or injured every 7.3 minutes. Also last year, troopers arrested 135 people for driving while intoxicated.

Over the past five years, 74 people have been killed and 3,416 have been injured in traffic accidents in Missouri over the Fourth of July holiday.

This year all available officers will be patrolling Missouri's roadways enforcing the speed limit, seat belt and alcohol laws. Troopers will also be available to assist motorists. Drivers who need help or who witness criminal activity while traveling can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

"We live in a great country, and this holiday celebrates our freedom," said Col. Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the patrol. "If your celebration includes travel, be careful. A split second of inattention could cause harm to you or someone else. If your celebration includes alcohol, don't drive. Choose a designated driver or take a taxi."