The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced Missouri has experienced a 27 percent decrease in fatalities over the past three years.
The complete breakdown of statistics is as follows:
*From 2005 to 2006, Missouri led the nation with a 13 percent decrease in traffic fatalities.
*From 2006 to 2007, Missouri experienced a 9 percent decrease in traffic fatalities.
*From 2007 to 2008, Missouri saw a 5 percent decrease in traffic fatalities.
There were no fatalities in the county during the New Year’s long holiday.
“I am very pleased with the reduction of fatal traffic crashes in Missouri over the past three years,” stated Col. James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “All of our troopers work every day to encourage safe driving and reduce traffic fatalities. We are committed to working with our traffic safety partners to further reduce the number of traffic deaths in our state. This is our primary
responsibility, and I believe we are doing a commendable job as evidenced by the fantastic reductions.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges motorists to continue to do their part to keep the numbers moving in the right direction. Drivers should obey the speed limit, pay attention, never drink and drive,and always fasten their seat belt, Keathley said.
Missourians can help further make the roads safe by reporting dangerous drivers to the patrol’s Emergency Report Line at 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.