Taking a few moments to properly secure yourself and your loved ones is the single greatest way to increase your likelihood of surviving a crash. Seat belts, car seats, and helmets go a long way in minimizing the consequences of crashes regardless of why they occur. Currently, approximately 87% of drivers and passengers on Missouri's roadways buckle up. Unfortunately, the other 13% account for about two-thirds of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. 

If all drivers and passengers on Missouri's roadways buckled up, an estimated 235 lives would be saved every year. Likewise, motorcycle helmets in Missouri save an average of 60 lives each year. Increase your likelihood to arrive alive by always buckling up or wearing a helmet when riding. 

 

Statistics

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64%
Of vehicle occupants killed in 2023 Missouri traffic crashes were unrestrained.
235
Estimated lives saved each year in Missouri if everyone buckled up
67%
Of children younger than 13 killed in 2023 Missouri traffic crashes were unrestrained.
49%
Of Missouri 2023 motorcycle fatalities were unhelmeted or wearing a non-compliant helmet.
Seat Belts

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buckle up phone down

Buckle Up Phone Down

In Missouri, it is illegal to hold or support a cell phone or an electronic communication device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Missouri roads.

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.

clipboard Laws

RSMO 307.178

Seat belts required for passenger cars — passenger cars defined — exceptions — failure to comply, effect on evidence and damages, admissible as evidence, when — penalty — passengers in car exceeding number of seat belts not violation for failure to use. — 1.  As used in this section, the term "passenger car" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying ten persons or less and used for the transportation of persons; except that, the term "passenger car" shall not include motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motor tricycles, and trucks with a licensed gross weight of twelve thousand pounds or more.

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Primary Seat Belt Ordinance Information

A primary seat belt law allows officers to stop motorists who are not wearing a seat belt, without the need for additional law violations. While the state of Missouri does not have a primary seat belt law, cities and counties throughout the state may enact ordinances. Local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law, but not less restrictive. 

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