MSHP reports decrease in deadly crashes, urges caution during holidays

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Deadly crashes are down 5% this year, with a preliminary total of 898 as of Monday, compared to 955 reported in 2024.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is waiting on final numbers, but preliminary data shows the state is down from last year in deadly crashes, according to MSHP Lieutenant Eric Brown.

Missouri saw 90,357 crashes in 2025, although Brown said that number will grow as more data is processed. 134,418 crashes were reported in 2024.

Brown said 56% of people who died in a crash across the state weren't wearing a seatbelt.

"That is one of the most important things you can do every time you get into vehicles is put your seatbelt on," Brown said. "It can help save your life, reduce the severity of your injuries that you sustain in a crash, possibly walk away from one that you would not have at all, had you had that seatbelt on."

MSHP also starts its holiday period on New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m., and it will run through Sunday at midnight.

Last year, there was one deadly accident and 118 people were injured in 264 crashes across the state, according to an MSHP press release.

"We are going to be out in full force this evening and throughout the weekend as well, and targeting hazardous driving maneuvers," Brown said. "Think ahead, plan ahead, make good decisions, safe choices, and you can ring in the new year on a great note as opposed to a bad one."