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Missouri Traffic Fatalities Reach Record Low

 

 

 

For the fifth year in a row, Missouri can celebrate a reduction in the number of traffic fatalities! Originally, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety set a goal of less than 1,000 fatalities by 2008. We were pleased when we met that goal a year early in 2007, with 992 fatalities. A new goal of less than 850 traffic crash deaths was set for 2012.  Once again, we met our goal--this time we did it two years early!

 

Not since 1949 has Missouri seen so few people killed in traffic crashes. A lot of things have changed since then: Missouri’s total population has increased more than 51 percent; Missourians drive five times more miles as they did in 1950; and the number of registered vehicles has quadrupled.

 

In 2006, Missouri experienced 161 fewer traffic fatalities, a decrease of 13 percent from 2005. That decrease was the highest in the nation. Over the next three years this trend continued with a combined total of a 30 percent decrease in traffic fatalities by the end of 2009. 

 

In 2010 Missouri experienced 821 traffic deaths. That is 436 fewer traffic deaths than 2005, bringing our five year reduction total to nearly 35 percent when compared to our 2005 traffic death count of 1,257.

 

“While these numbers continue to be very promising, we still have far too many people dying each year in traffic crashes and we can do better,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “I believe education and enforcement are a large part of why these reductions are taking place.”

 

The Patrol is committed to these two areas. In the area of education, public information and education officers give programs throughout the state to educate drivers of all ages and to encourage them to adopt responsible, safe driving habits. Through news releases and public service announcements, the public is reminded of the same.

 

In April 2010, the Patrol began using a new safety video, “Permanent”. In July 2010, the "Anti-texting While Driving" traffic safety campaign kicked off. Joining the Patrol in the "Anti-texting While Driving" campaign are trucking company Con-way Freight, one of Missouri’s largest freight carriers, and Roush Fenway Racing, one of NASCAR’s top racing teams.

 

From an enforcement standpoint, the Patrol continues to hold DWI checkpoints, saturations, and special construction zone enforcement projects, like Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. All troops participate in “Click It Or Ticket” campaigns, because troopers know all too well that many lives could be saved in traffic crashes had the occupants just used their seat belt.

 

In 2010, the Patrol conducted 62 sobriety checkpoints checking more than 21,981 vehicles for intoxicated drivers.  A total of 242 persons were arrested for driving while intoxicated.  The Patrol made 1,441 total arrests while conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout the state, including 80 misdemeanor drug arrests, 20 felony drug arrests, and 37 other felony arrests.  The Patrol also issued 3,565 warnings. 

 

In 2010, the Patrol conducted a total of 95 DWI Saturations.  In those saturations, troopers arrested 219 individuals for driving while intoxicated.   Officers made 2170 total arrests, including 17 felony drug arrests, 67 misdemeanor drug arrests, 114 misdemeanor warrant arrests, and also issued a total of 4,515 warnings. 

 

Troopers will continue to hold sobriety checkpoints and saturations in 2011.

The sobriety checkpoints and saturation operations are funded by grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, through the Missouri Department of Transportation, Office of Highway Safety.

 

During holiday peak travel periods troopers have and will continue to participate in 10 Mile Trooper campaigns. Troopers are assigned to a 10 mile stretch of U.S. or interstate highway throughout the state. The objective of this campaign is to increase the Patrol’s visibility on highest volume roadways during the holiday period. We believe drivers being aware ... paying attention helps to make our roadways safer.

 

“The Patrol is committed to further reducing the number of traffic crashes in Missouri,” said Col. Replogle. “We will continue to work with the public, other law enforcement agencies and our partners on the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety to continue saving lives.”

 

 

 

Colonel Ronald K. Replogle addresses the media and those in attendance at the news conference on January 25, 2011.