8 fatal crashes in Mid-Missouri in the last week

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F said they’ve seen an uptick in fatal crashes in the last week.

There have been eight fatal crashes in Mid-Missouri and 15 across the state.

Sgt. Scott White said they all could have been prevented.

“There no reasons there’s been seven fatal accidents in the last week in Troop F. We have to remember these aren’t just accidents, they’re crashes and they’re preventable deaths,” Sgt. White said.

White said Troop F’s fatal count is up nearly 50 percent this year.

One Columbia resident, Jack Long, said his family does not do road trips because it’s too risky.

“Because there’s too many irresponsible drivers,” Long said.

White said too many people drive recklessly and he hopes other drivers report them.

“We have to understand the reality of driving is it’s the first privilege that allows us to drive and kill another human being without any intent.”

He said people need to pay attention.

White said several of the fatal crashes that occurred this week were secondary – meaning they occurred after another nearby incident on the road.

“The hardest parts of our job is knocking on the door and telling someone their loved one will not be returning home and that’s final and that’s forever,” White said.

White said he asks for people to pay attention, do what’s right behind the wheel – especially as people head home for Thanksgiving.

According to crash reports, there were 15 fatal Thanksgiving weekend crashes in Missouri last year.