Deadly crashes in Missouri increase by 31% since 2014

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The National Transportation Research Group reports that crashes resulting in deaths have increased by 31% in the past decade, despite a decline since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While reports of traffic deaths have decreased by 2% from 2021, overall, deadly crashes have seen an increase.

Source: TRIP Addressing America's Safety Crisis: Examining the Causes of Increasing U.S. Traffic Fatalities and Identifying Solutions to Improve Traffic Safety Appendix

The COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on this report, too. In 2021, once restrictions began to loosen and the road became busier, deadly crashes increased too. Crashes fell again in 2023, though.

Since Jan. 1, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F has reported 18 deadly car crashes in its region (Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Gasconade, Howard, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan and Osage counties).

Of these 18 crashes, around 61% of those involved were not wearing a seatbelt.

Check back for updates to this developing story.