Highway Patrol: traffic deaths for Troop F up more than 65%

Missouri State Highway Patrol officials have seen an increase in fatal accidents this year. They say it is due to a large percentage of drivers who are not wearing their seat belts.

“A lot of times it just comes down to not paying attention when they are driving, or it could be weather-related, but whatever happens after, the cause of the wreck is what we’re concerned about, and it’s those individuals not wearing those seat belts, flying around inside the car or even worse, being ejected”, says Sergeant Paul Reinsch.

In Troop F, troopers investigate more than six fatal accidents every month. Two of the latest fatalities include one accident in Eldon and another in Macks Creek on Sunday.

“Unfortunately we’ve had a dramatic rise in fatalities in the Troop F area this year, and Troop F is 13 counties here in central Missouri”, says Sgt. Reinsch. The number of deaths has drastically increase compared to last year.

Sgt. Reinsch says, “We’ve approaching about 70 fatalities, which is about a 65-68% percent increase this year, and what we’re doing now is concentrating on why these are happening”.

Statewide, more than 640 people have died in accidents, with many more injured.

“We have numerous numerous wrecks at all times, whether the weather is bad or not, and unfortunately people are being injured because of not wearing their seat belts, so that’s what we’re really concentrating on”, says Sgt. Reinsch.

The 68 fatalities were all investigated by Troop F troopers, however there have been several other deaths that other agencies responded to.

To look up information about a specific crash report, click here.