JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri has made progress in recent years at reducing roadway fatalities. Statewide statistics show that these tragic deaths have declined in each of the past two years. However, the Missouri Department of Transportation is concerned that this trend may not continue in 2025.
With highway fatalities now occurring at a rate that may surpass 2024 levels, MoDOT and its traffic safety partners are issuing an urgent call for Missourians to use safe driving practices that are known to reduce crashes and fatalities, especially as we enter the holiday and winter seasons. As of mid-October, statewide fatality totals are only 1% fewer than they were at the same point last year.
Reporters are encouraged to join MoDOT, enforcement officials and community partners at a series of events on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, to learn more about our shared efforts to combat roadway fatalities. The events coincide with the 9th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day, observed on Oct. 29, which is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and importance of seat belt use.
Tuesday, Oct. 28
Chesterfield
Who: MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger; Missouri State Highway Patrol representative; AAA Public Affairs Senior Specialist Nick Chabarria
When: Oct. 28, 12:00 p.m.
Where: MoDOT Transportation Management Center, 14301 South Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Wednesday, Oct. 29
Columbia
Who: MoDOT Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Eric Schroeter; Missouri State Highway Patrol representative; Chief Eric Hoy, Cole County Emergency Medical Services
When: Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Parkade Center, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Mo., in the northwest corner of the parking lot near I-70
Lee’s Summit
Who: MoDOT Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Eric Schroeter; MSHP Troop A Captain Steven Wilhoit
When: Oct. 29, 2 p.m.
Where: MoDOT Kansas City District Office, 600 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 . Garage parking lot located behind MoDOT KC District Office/MSHP Troop A building
Springfield
Who: Jon Nelson, MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer; Sgt. Mike McClure, Missouri State Highway Patrol; Sparta School Resource Officer Heather Usher
When: Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Transportation Management Center of the Ozarks, 1107 West Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Mo.
For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
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