Welcome to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety

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. 

Work Zone Awareness Week - April 21-25, 2025

Any time highway workers are present on a Missouri roadway, your safety and the safety of those workers depends on drivers’ focus and attention. Motorists are reminded to slow down, put their phone down and pay attention as they drive past work zones. Learn more about work zone safety and how we all play a role in getting where we're going safely.

For Whatever Lies Ahead: We Buckle

Missouri roads come with a lot of unknowns. On back roads, short drives, and long hauls, we are ready for whatever lies ahead. For every curve, every deer, every…thing. We buckle. The “We Buckle” campaign is going out across 18 counties in central Missouri, sharing the important message that MOST young adults in this region always wear their seatbe...

Siddens Bening Hands Free Law Takes Effect

After two years in a row of more than 1,000 fatalities on Missouri’s roadways, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving, effective Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. To learn more about the law and what it entails, follow the link below.

Show Me Your Score Safe Driving Challenge!

The goal of the Show Me Your Score Safe Driving Challenge is to promote and reward teen safe driving in Missouri. Safer teen drivers and passengers means less crashes and ultimately fewer fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. With $15,000 in prizes up for grabs for schools, teens, and faculty, the Show Me Your Score Safe Driving Challeng...

Smart Riders

Each year, several children are injured or killed in Missouri car crashes. Educating children on the proper way to use a seat belt and booster seat as well as other road safety tips is necessary to keep our children safe. The Smart Riders program is a fun-filled program designed to teach these valuable lessons.

Buckle Up Phone Down

Right now, Missouri has a "no texting" law for drivers age 21 years and under. But distracted driving isn't just a young driver problem. Approximately 70% of drivers using cell phones in Missouri traffic crashes were 22 years of age or older. We are challenging all drivers to honor that ban no matter what their age. Pledge to do your part and make ...

Missouri Coalition For Roadway Safety News

  • Missouri Roadway Fatalities Continue to Trend Downward

    02/04/2025

    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...

2024 Missouri Crash Statistics
Fatalities
955
Not Wearing Seat Belt
62%
As of 12/31/2024
*Seat belt stat includes only occupants of vehicles with seat belts
2025 Missouri Crash Statistics
Fatalities
292
Not Wearing Seat Belt
55%
As of 5/18/2025
*Seat belt stat includes only occupants of vehicles with seat belts
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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