13-02-2025
Missouri sees record number of pedestrian deaths in 2024
ST. LOUIS – The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a record number of pedestrian deaths in 2024 in a press release last week.
According to the release from Feb. 4, 148 pedestrians were hit and killed, a 16% increase from 2023—the highest number reported in the state.
'We still have a lot of work to do in Missouri, and we are especially concerned by the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in our state,' said Jon Nelson, State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. 'We all have a responsibility to use the transportation system in a safe manner, and both drivers and pedestrians can make safe choices to help make this happen.'
MSHP reported that a significant percentage of those deaths were caused by individuals exiting their vehicles due to a prior collision or car breakdown on the side of the road.
In 2024, 133 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri roadways—a decrease of 23%, according to preliminary numbers, marking the lowest number of motorcyclist deaths since the all-ride helmet law was repealed in 2020.
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The release reports that distracted driving, most particularly via cell phones, has been a consequential factor in relation to vehicular fatalities, contributing to more than 100 deaths in 2023 and 2024.
The Siddens-Bening Law, implemented in Aug. 2023, prohibits drivers from holding handheld electronic devices. The press release noted a positive effect since its implementation.
'Although we have seen a small decrease in fatal crashes in the state in 2024, it is important to remember that our work is not finished,' Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Turner said. 'Preventing roadway fatalities begins with drivers remaining vigilant and conscientious about their driving habits by wearing their seatbelts, obeying the speed limit, and paying full attention to their surroundings while driving.'
Show-Me Zero, the state's strategic highway plan, serves as a safe system for Missourians to lower the chances of fatalities through education, personal responsibility, and more.
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