Central Region for Missouri's Coalition for Roadway Safety has a seen a dramatic reduction in fatalities this year.
So far, 26 people have died in Central Missouri using Missouri's highways, and roads. Last year, 35 people had lost their lives in the Central Region.
So far, 26 people have died in Central Missouri using Missouri's highways, and roads. Last year, 35 people had lost their lives in the Central Region.
Are the numbers going up or down?
It is 9 fewer than last year at this time. This is a 26% reduction when compared to last year.
How do we compare with the rest of the state?
The Coalition has 10 regions. Central Region has the second highest number of fatalities at 26. Only the St. Louis region has had more people killed.
Were they wearing their safety belts?
6 out of the 10 fatalities were not wearing a safety belt. Last year, it was closer to 8 out 10.
What is the deadliest day of the week?
It is a tie between Saturday and Wednesday at 5 each.
What about young drivers and passengers?
5 out of the 26 killed were between the ages of 15 and 20. Three of these were not wearing a safety belt. One involved a motorcycle. We also had 1 infant so far.
Multiple fatalities crashes?
All of the crashes this year have only had a single fatality. Last year, we had 4 crashes with multiple deaths. Most of these had 2 fatalities, but we had one with 3 fatalities.
Where have they occurred?
U.S. Numbered highways had the most at 9. County roads and city streets were next at 7.
This was followed by State Lettered routes and then by Missouri Numbered routes.
Last year, U.S. Numbered highways had the least number of deaths.
What about alcohol and drugs?
Four of the fatalities involved some sort of impairment. 19% of the fatalities that occurred across the state involved an impaired driver, while in Central Region, the percentage of impaired drivers is 15%.
What about the counties?
Last year, I was pulling for Gasconade to be the county without a fatality, but that didn't happen.
This year, Morgan and Moniteau counties are in the running with zero fatalities so far. Something to watch as the year continues.
Our biggest concern is Pettis county which is experiencing a large increase this year. They have had 6 fatalities to date. Last year, they only had 1.
Benton, Cole, Gasconade, and Maries are counties who are experiencing a higher number of fatalities over last year.
This also means that our biggest counties are seeing a decrease. These are Boone, Callaway, Camden, and Miller.
What is Matt's View?
I have to say this is not just about the numbers. There are 26 families trying to work through this time in their lives the best they can.
It is encouraging to know that we are seeing a large reduction so far this year. We even have a few counties that could have zero fatalities.
But, there is still work to be done. Out of the 10 regions, the Central Region usually has enough fatalities to be the second or third worst region in the state.
We need to keep reminding ourselves and others to emphasize and practices what works:
Wear a safety belt, drive sober, leave cell phone down, and stay attentive.
Thanks for reading, M
