Missouri highways have seen more than 1,000 fatalities in 2021 for the first time since 2006. It's a trend that started in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
After four straight years of declining fatalities, 2020 ticked up to 987, and the preliminary 2021 numbers show a dangerous trend.
As highway fatalities continue to rise, four risky behaviors are drawing an increased focus: not wearing a seat belt, cellphone use while driving, excessive speeds and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As motorists travel to and from New Year's celebrations, the urge to be on time, remain connected and enjoy the holiday can contribute to each of these focus areas. That urge can also be a contributing factor to a terrible end to the holiday season.
In 2020, there were 217 people killed and 713 more seriously injured in Missouri crashes resulting from impaired driving. Statistics for 2021 are not yet finalized.
Make a plan this weekend to get home safely. If you feel different, you drive different.
Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, identifies four key focus areas, including impaired driving, to help eliminate traffic deaths. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan and to learn how all Missourians can help make the roadways safer, visit www.savemolives.com.
