Write Up:

In 2023, the number of fatalities for vulnerable roadway users increased.  Motorcycle fatalities increased by 14%, while pedestrian and bicycle fatalities decreased by 3% and 20% respectively.

All age groups were equally represented, ranging from age 17 to 79. All districts were represented, with rural districts accounting for about 60% of the fatalities. Of the 175 motorcycle fatalities, 86 were not wearing a helmet or a non-DOT helmet.  

Pedestrian fatalities occurred in every month and on every type of roadway. Among the 30 fatalities on interstate highways, six occurred in October, while the remaining were spread throughout the year. Seventy percent of the fatalities on interstates were in the St. Louis and Kansas City districts, with the remaining in Southeast, Central and Southwest districts. Pedestrians in their 30s, 40s and 50s represented the highest numbers of fatalities. Of the 130 pedestrian fatalities, 46 were in St. Louis.                                                 
 
Of the 10 cyclists who died on Missouri roadways, four were in the Kansas City District and the remaining were in the Southwest, St. Louis, Central and Southeast districts. Six of the eight cyclists were not wearing helmets and six were male. Three fatalities occurred in February, two in April, and one fatality each in July, October and December.                              

It appears the primary target is on pedestrian safety in St. Louis and Kansas City by encouraging them to walk safely. There is also an emphasis on encouraging drivers to remain in their vehicles after crashes or breakdowns on the interstate.  An additional focus area is on motorcyclists and urging them to wear DOT-compliant helmets when riding. The final target would be to urge cyclists in the Kansas City and Central districts to wear helmets and follow road-user rules when biking.

Purpose:

The vulnerable roadway user measure tracks annual trends in fatalities of motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. These roadway users are at risk for death when involved in a motor-vehicle-related crash.

Measurement and Data Collection:

Missouri law enforcement agencies submit a vehicle accident report form to the Missouri State Highway Patrol to be entered into a statewide traffic crash database. The database automatically updates MoDOT’s crash database system, which is part of the Transportation Management System.