Write Up:

The average number of unbuckled seatbelt events increased in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, rising from 19 to 57. Despite this increase, the event rate remained steady at 0.01 events per 1,000 miles driven.

Speeding incidents of +6 mph also increased year over year, going from 12 to 32, with the rate rising from 0.002 to 0.007 events per 1,000 miles driven.

Speeding incidents of +15 mph increased slightly, from two to three events. Because the overall volume is low, the rate stayed at zero.

Backing-while-leaving events decreased significantly, dropping from 52,413 in second quarter 2025 to 38,360 in second quarter 2026. The rate also improved, decreasing from 14 to 11 events per 1,000 miles.

The statewide safety score declined only slightly, moving from 97.8 to 97.7, and remains within the low-risk range.

Purpose of the Measure:

Wearing seat belts, adhering to posted speed limits, and limiting backing, are the very basics of a safe workplace. Seat belt use and following the posted speed limits are also Missouri state law. This measure tracks how MoDOT is performing on the very basics of a safe workplace. This is just one small piece of a much larger effort to ensure every team member goes home safe each and every day. 

Measurement and Data Collection:

Using telematics and GPS technology, MoDOT monitors and collects data about seat belt usage and speeding, among other metrics, in MoDOT’s fleet ensuring vehicles are being operated in a safe manner. This data is used extensively to answer customer questions regarding snow removal and investigate allegations of damage caused by MoDOT fleet. This measure compares aggregate number of events along with rate events. Rate events may show a more accurate representation of events, while number of events may be skewed based on actual miles driven. The rate is broken down by exceptions that happen every 1,000 miles driven, which gives a fair comparison from month to month.