JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Deadly crashes were down across the state of Missouri for 2023, dipping down roughly 6% as compared to 2022.
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) released preliminary data information, stating 989 fatalities occurred along the roadways in Missouri last year. This is down from 1,057 deaths on the road in 2022.
This is reportedly the first decrease in roadway deaths since 2019.
MoDOT said while roadway fatalities fell below 1,000, it still equals nearly three deaths per day for 2023. A number of which can be improved upon even more for 2024.
However, while overall lives lost were down across the state, Missouri did see an increase in motorcycle related deaths. In fact, MoDOT stated this is the highest they've seen in recorded history with 175 motorcyclists killed as compared to 153 in 2022; an increase of 14%.
MoDOT stated the 175 motorcyclists killed is the highest ever reported and is nearly 50% more than the average from before the repeal of Missouri's all-rider helmet law in 2020. Safety professionals cite the lack of helmet use as a major contributing factor to the increase, MoDOT stated in a report.
“To see not only an increase in motorcycle fatalities from the previous year, but to have it be the highest number ever reported proves that when it comes to motorcycle safety, public policy matters and we’ve taken a step backwards,� said Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna. “The importance of choosing to wear a helmet when riding can’t be overstated. Without it, the likelihood of a crash causing a fatal injury jumps up significantly.�
The characteristics observed in roadway deadly crashes include speeding and impairment, distracted driving and lack of seatbelt use, MoDOT stated.
Of the vehicle occupants killed in 2023, 63% were not wearing a seat belt. Distracted driving contributed to more than 100 deaths in 2023, and historically, more than half of the victims are someone other than the distracted driver. Impaired driving accounted for approximately 17% of the fatalities in 2023 while speed and other aggressive driving behaviors remained the top concern, contributing to more than half of the total fatalities. - MoDOT
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol and our traffic safety partners remain committed to reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes on Missouri roadways,� said Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Eric Olson. “Every day our troopers see firsthand the effects of distracted driving and excessive speed. The passage of legislation, such as the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, will help save lives in Missouri. To effectively reduce the number of fatalities in Missouri, we need the help of motorists. Every driver who chooses to obey the speed limit, wear their seatbelt, and pay attention to the full-time job of driving will help save lives in Missouri,� said Colonel Olson.
Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, , takes a comprehensive approach in creating a safe system to reduce and eliminate traffic fatalities. Through a combination of education, public policy, infrastructure improvements, traffic enforcement, emergency services, and personal responsibility, Show-Me Zero provides opportunities for every Missourian to help make the state’s roadways safer. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan and to learn how all Missourians can help make the roadways safer, visit .
