News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. Dan Bracker

(417) 895-6767 ext.253

D200449

October 26, 2004



EMPHASIS: 2003 Missouri Crash Statistics, at a glance.



The Missouri State Highway Patrol is the central traffic accident data collection agency for the state of Missouri. Below are just a few crash statistics that occurred in the year of 2003.



In 2003 there were 1,232 persons killed in traffic crashes in Missouri, 24 (2 percent) more than 2002. Speed and too fast for conditions were the leading causes in all of the fatal crashes and 13 percent of the fatal accidents involved drinking/drugs. About 41 percent of all persons killed in Missouri traffic crashes were in the 16-35 age group and only 9 percent of all traffic crashes occurred during inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, fog or mist.) Over 72 percent of all traffic crashes occurred during the daylight hours and over 76 percent occurred on dry pavement. In 2003, a driver had a 1 in 39 chance of being killed if they were not wearing a seat belt and a 1 in 1,108 chance of being killed if they wore their seat belt.



Statistics indicate drivers are in too big of a hurry and not paying attention to the job of driving, “In order for fatalities to decrease citizens must begin to drive responsibly and take the job of driving seriously.,” states, Captain John Prine, Troop D Commander.