MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q162015 (573) 526-6115

January 7, 2015
EMPHASIS: Patrol Reports Preliminary 2014 Boating & Traffic Fatality Statistics Show Decrease

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is pleased to announce Missouri has experienced a reduction in drownings, boating fatalities, and traffic fatalities in 2014.

A total of 29 drownings occurred in Missouri’s lakes and rivers during 2014, compared to 38 in 2013. There were 15 boating fatalities in 2014, compared to 17 in 2013. Preliminary statistics indicate that Missouri recorded 753 traffic fatalities in 2014, compared to 757 fatalities in 2013. This is a 40 percent decrease from the 1,257 fatalities recorded in 2005. The number of traffic deaths has dropped each year since 2005, with the only exception being 2012’s slight increase. Of those required to be restrained, approximately 63 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

"This is an important trend that the Patrol would like to see continue," said Col. Replogle. "Every trooper is committed to working with other agencies to make Missouri a safer place to work and raise a family. I want to thank the public for helping to make this year safer than last year."

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges boaters and motorists to continue to do their part to keep crash statistics moving in the right direction. Boat operators and motorists should be courteous. When in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Please stay alert, obey all boating and traffic laws, and make sure everyone in the vessel wears a life jacket and those in a vehicle use a seat belt. Never operate a vessel or a vehicle if you’ve been drinking. Missourians can help by reporting dangerous boaters or drivers to the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Note: The 2014 fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release was sent out.
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