In 2021, 1,016 people were killed in traffic crashes – reducing by 241 since 2005, Missouri's all time high traffic fatality total of 1,257. 

Overall, since 2005, traffic deaths decreased 19 percent, due to the combined efforts of highway safety advocates in the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. The coalition credits a combination of law enforcement, educational efforts, emergency medical services and engineering enhancements as the successful formula for saving lives.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is committed to reducing the number of injuries and deaths on Missouri roadways. As part of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, the department supports the 2021 Missouri Strategic Highway Safety Plan - a comprehensive guide for reducing fatal and serious injuries on our roadways.

National research indicates that people play a significant part in contributing to motor vehicle crashes. In fact, a study concluded that human factors were definite or probable causes in about 94 percent of crashes, while environmental and vehicle factors contributed to about 33 and 13 percent, respectively. Please do your part to help prevent traffic crashes.

View the 2021 Highway Safety and Performance Plan.

View the proposed safety policy needs for Missouri: SAFER