Traffic deaths down in Missouri in ’19

Traffic fatalities were down overall last year in the Show-Me-State, but there were still some troubling statistics.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 876 people died in traffic crashes in Missouri in 2019, down 5 percent from 921 in 2018.

Although there was an overall reduction in fatalities, more pedestrians died. 108 were killed last year, the most in Missouri in the last decade.

Motorcycle fatalities also increased by 10 percent from 2018, with 118 people dying in those accidents.

The top contributing factors to traffic accidents continue to be distraction, impairment, lack of a safety device and driving too fast.

MoDOT encourages drivers to continue to use their seat belt and put down their cell phones while driving.

It’s also recommended to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle.

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