Missouri traffic fatalities have declined for the third year in a row. Preliminary data from January through August 24 shows 577 roadway deaths compared to 589 during the same period in 2024, a 2% decrease, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson noted that while the trend is positive, the second half of the year often brings increased risks due to road construction, school traffic, shorter daylight hours, holiday travel, and changing weather.
MoDOT data shows that from September 1 to December 31, there were 344 roadway deaths in 2023 and 364 in 2022. Officials said the upcoming months will be critical in keeping this year numbers below these levels.
Nelson urged drivers to make safe choices and emphasized that continued progress depends on consistent, responsible use of the state’s transportation system.
