By NEMO RPC
The number of deaths occurring on Missouri’s roadways has leveled off after a steep incline earlier in the year, but Missouri still is 1% above last year’s very alarming traffic fatality totals that surged despite record low traffic volume numbers because of COVID-19.
At the end of October, Missouri had reported 844 deaths on Missouri’s roadways, up from 836 at this time a year ago, and well above the 2019 YTD total of 733.
Northeast Missouri remains well above pace, with a 33% increase YTD to 52 fatalities.
While St. Louis has reported the highest total of fatalities at 216, that represents a slight decline from last year. The central district is the only other of the state’s seven transportation regions to experience a significant decline in 2021, dropping 16% to 92 deaths, below the 2020 YTD total of 110.
Two-thirds of the roadway fatalities involved drivers or passengers that were not wearing a seatbelt.
Motorcycle fatalities have increased more than 25%, with 77 of the 138 fatalities reported to not be wearing a helmet. Rodway departure continues to be a significant issue, as 506 fatalities were classified as off-road incidents.
