The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is a partnership of safety advocates throughout the state who have come together for a common purpose: to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways. Missouri’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Show-Me Zero, outlines the state's plan for achieving success by implementing strategies most effective at mitigating the behaviors and issues most commonly associated with fatal and serious injury crashes in Missouri. Zero fatalities is our goal. Anything else is simply unacceptable.
Missouri Coalition For Roadway Safety News
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Missouri Roadway Fatalities Continue to Trend Downward
Pedestrian fatalities hit record number
JEFFERSON CITY – According to preliminary data, 954 fatalities occurred on Missouri roadways in 2024. This is a decrease of 4% when compared to 2023, and a decrease of 10% compared to 2022. This is the second... -
Crash Responders Urge Motorists to Slow Down, Move Over: Its the Law
JEFFERSON CITY— The Missouri Department of Transportation’s highway workers are part of a larger group of emergency responders who put their lives on the line on Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. Alongside police officers, fire fighters...
2024 Missouri Crash Statistics
Fatalities
Not Wearing Seat Belt
*Seat belt stat includes only occupants of vehicles with seat belts
2025 Missouri Crash Statistics
Fatalities
Not Wearing Seat Belt
*Seat belt stat includes only occupants of vehicles with seat belts
Videos
SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
April Safety Spotlight: First Impact
First Impact is a statewide, free, 90-minute, evidence-based traffic safety program that educates parents and teens about Missouri’s 3-step Graduated Driver License (GDL) law. The goal is to reduce new driver crashes and eliminate injuries and fatalities. The objectives of the program are to increase: a) awareness of teen driving risks, b) understanding of Missouri’s GDL law, c) the importance of monitoring and enforcing the GDL at home, and d) the importance of being a positive role model.
Driver Education is not required in Missouri to obtain a driver license. Recognizing this, MoDOT issued a charge in 2014 to develop a program that would help educate parents about the GDL. It is equally important for the novice driver to understand the regulations of the GDL and are encouraged to attend the presentation with their parent(s). The first presentations were rolled out in 2016. Since its’ inception, First Impact, under the umbrella of ThinkFirst and administered through the University of Missouri, has given over 500 presentations to over 9,000 attendees. When asked about the GDL law prior to a presentation, 48% of parents were not familiar with the GDL law. After the presentation, 98% of the parents stated their knowledge of the GDL had increased. The GDL law is the single most effective tool in reducing teen driver crashes as it limits the highest risk factors for teens, including driving: a) at night, b) with multiple passengers, c) distracted, and d) without a seat belt.
Using trained facilitators such as law enforcement officers and individuals passionate about traffic safety, First Impact provides parents with the tools they need to confidently guide, mentor, and support their new teen driver. The program showcases an engaging video and fosters meaningful discussions, all geared toward highlighting the importance of parents and teens working together. Ensuring parents understand the risks and responsibilities associated with driving is essential in preventing teen driving tragedies.
To find or request a First Impact program near you go to https://medicine.missouri.edu/offices-programs/first-impact
You may also contact: gawcft@health.missouri.edu or ceh8zg@health.missouri.edu
