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MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

Jan. 29, 2019 |  By: Kramer Sansone

Types of roadways and active campaigns influence number of fatalities in MO


Northwest Missouri fatalities increased in 2018 as statewide fatality totals slightly decreased. In 2018, 62 people died in crashes on Northwest Missouri roadways, almost 15 percent more than the 54 fatalities in 2017. More than 900 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes. Statewide, the preliminary number indicates 918 lives were lost in 2018, down slightly from 932 fatalities in 2017. Senior Traffic Studies Specialist Bryce Acton says motorists are driving more distracted.

"Especially on straight and level roadways and rural areas.  Most of our roadways in Northwest Missouri they are straight and level. What people don't realize is that when you drive on these roadways, you tend to, you are more influenced to, drive distracted.  That is predominately the main increase that we've seen, as far as driver behavior is concerned.  In combination with that, they are not driving buckled.  They are not wearing their seatbelts."

Acton adds Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety has a Buckle Up Phone Down program. 

"We've also been trying to do things to increase drivers to not drive distracted and for drivers to wear their seatbelts.  We've been trying to push that campaign throughout Missouri. So far for 2019, we have seen a decrease in fatal crashes and have seen an increase in drivers wearing their seatbelts.  So we're hoping that campaign is reaching drivers out there not just in northwest Missouri but statewide Missouri as well." 

For more information about the Buckle Up Phone Down program contact the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.