Multiple fatalities on Mid-Missouri roads this week bring up safety concerns

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

As the new school year approaches for Columbia Public Schools and the University of Missouri, safety on the roads is a growing concern.

A 24-year-old man died Thursday after being hit by a vehicle in the 4600 block of Paris Road and two women were killed Tuesday in a crash on Interstate 70 after a semi-truck collided with their U-Haul. A man from eastern Missouri was killed Wednesday after his vehicle collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 70 in Callaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop F -- the Troop that covers much of Mid-Missouri -- has reported 13 vehicle accidents this month as of 6 p.m. Friday.

Missouri has seen an alarming 89% increase in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities since 2014. In 2022, nearly 15,000 crashes in the state were attributed to distracted driving, resulting in 84 deaths and over 5,000 injuries, according to a press release from AAA.

This time of year, as children prepare to return to school, it's important to remember that crashes are one of the leading causes of death for school-aged children, according to AAA.

Barbara Polk -- a mother who will send her son back to school this month -- emphasized the importance of staying vigilant.

"The kids are super excited to get back to school, so they're not always watching," Polk said. "As drivers, if we can keep an eye out and just slow down, it can make a big difference."

In 2022, Missouri saw more than 1,500 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, leading to the deaths of 129 pedestrians and 15 cyclists, according to AAA.

Local cyclist Jenna Bologa expressed concerns about road safety for cyclists.

"I think the drivers here (Columbia) and also the infrastructure here doesn't really favor cyclists. It seems to be getting better. Like I see bike boulevards and more bike lanes around, but there are things that could be better, like having actual separated bike lanes,"

Bologa advised cyclists to be confident and assertive on the road to avoid being ignored by vehicles.

"I think a lot of it is being really like confident and knowing, like as a cyclist, you can take the whole lane if you want to," Bologa said. "And so, doing that all the time I think is really helpful and which seems counterintuitive because you would think maybe like if you get in the lane, you're going to get hit by a car. But, I think... asserting yourself is really important because I think cars will tend to ignore you at all cost,"

Nationwide, more than 3,000 people lost their lives in distracted-related crashes in 2022. AAA spokesman Nick Chabarria points out that distracted driving -- particularly from cellphones -- and speeding are two of the biggest causes of bicycle and pedestrian accidents

"Certainly make sure you're putting your phone down or putting them out when you're driving, focusing on the road, and slowing down," Chabarria said.

He also notes that a vehicle traveling at 25 miles per hour is two-thirds less likely to kill a pedestrian than one going just 10 mph faster.

As road safety becomes more critical, AAA reminds drivers to obey speed limits and eliminate distractions. Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets, avoid headphones, and wear bright clothing to stay visible.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there have already been 412 fatalities on Missouri roads during the first six months of this year.