Although data looked promising for about six years, traffic fatalities in 2012 are on the rise — and by as much as 50 percent and in Boone County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is working to to promote safe driving.
“There was a steady decline in deaths resulting from accidents from 2005 to 2011, with a reported 1,257 and 783 deaths respectively,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Tim Hull said. “As of June 30, we have seen an 18 percent increase in terms of traffic accidents for this year.”
A number of factors might have contributed to the sudden rise, many of which can only be speculation, but two-thirds of people involved in fatal car accidents did not wear a seat belt, Hull said. Other possible factors include distracted driving, such as driving while texting and drug or alcohol-related incidents.
“We have something called the 20-Mile Trooper project during the weekend of July 4,” Hull said. “For this, we will have a highway trooper stationed at least 20 miles apart from each other on all major highways in Missouri. We know this makes a difference because when a trooper pulls up near someone, they will slow down or put on their seat belts.”
At this time last year, the number of traffic fatalities in Boone County was steadily decreasing. However, only seven months into 2012, the number of fatal car accidents has surpassed that of last year.
“Whether (the fact that these accidents are concentrated in Boone County) is merely coincidental is debatable, but there are steps we can take to combat these traffic accidents,” Highway Patrol Sgt. Paul Reinsch said. “It is crucial for the public to be aware of the current situation and take the necessary steps to be safe drivers out on the roads.”
Reinsch said a combination of awareness of this issue and personal responsibility contributes to reducing the amount of traffic accidents.
“There is only so much we can do to address this issue — we have educational programs in place, and sobriety checkpoints can be a successful tool in combating these accidents,” Reinsch said. “However, in the end, the decision to be safe often falls upon the person in the driver’s seat.”
