By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Missouri saw a drop in statewide traffic deaths last year.
Preliminary data shows 954 fatalities occurred last year, a 4 percent drop from 2023, and a 10 percent drop from 2022.
Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol says one reason for this is safer traveling conditions.
“The roadways that we travel on today are safer, the vehicles that are being operated today are safer, and also it’s enforcement efforts and then you have to contribute that as well to the motoring public,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Hux says the patrol hopes to see the trend continue and says the goal to help that happen for the patrol is a commitment to public safety
“Enforcement efforts will continue on our end, and then through the motoring public as well, remember driving is a full time job, anytime you operate a motor vehicle not only is your life and the passengers of your vehicles life in your hands, but every other motorist, every other pedestrian out there on the roadway falls into that,” Hux explains.
While Missouri saw a decline in the number of roadway in fatalities during 2024, there was a record number of pedestrian fatality related accidents.
Hux says with the recent winter weather, a high number of pedestrian fatalities came from cars sliding into stranded drivers.
Hux says as a pedestrian, especially when walking near a roadway, it’s just as important to pay attention as it is while driving
“You know we talk about texting and driving a lot, but also if you’re walking close to the roadway, that’s not a good time to be looking at your phone, having earbuds in,” Hux says. “Because as a pedestrian, your job is to keep yourself safe as well, so make sure you can see traffic, hear traffic.”
During 2024, 148 pedestrian accidents resulted in fatalities, which is a 16 percent increase from 2023.
