JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other traffic-safety organizations, is preparing to announce a major roadway safety milestone based on preliminary crash data from 2025.
State transportation officials said the announcement will highlight encouraging progress in efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Missouri roadways. While final numbers are still being compiled, officials indicated the data reflect a positive step forward following years of heightened concern over roadway deaths.
MoDOT officials credited a combination of factors for the improvement, including increased public awareness campaigns, targeted enforcement by law enforcement agencies, and continued emphasis on proven safety strategies such as seat belt use, sober driving, and slowing down.
“We know that every number represents a life, a family, and a community,” MoDOT officials said in a statement. “Any reduction in fatalities is meaningful, but our work is far from finished.”
The announcement will be part of a series of coordinated events across the state, including locations in Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield. Safety partners will use the opportunity to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at further reducing crashes, including infrastructure improvements, driver education, and enforcement of traffic laws.
Officials also emphasized that driver behavior remains the most significant factor in roadway safety. Motorists are encouraged to buckle up, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and obey posted speed limits.
MoDOT and its safety partners said they remain committed to working toward the long-term goal of zero roadway fatalities, noting that continued public cooperation is essential to saving lives on Missouri’s roads.
