Missouri sees highest number of fatal accidents in five years

More people have been killed on Missouri roads so far this year than during any year since 1997, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Friday.

With four days left in 2002, the patrol said 1,158 people have been killed in traffic accidents on state highways, up from last year's total of 1,098 fatalities.

But fewer deaths have occurred so far in Southeast Missouri than a year ago, said Sgt. Larry Plunkett of the patrol's Poplar Bluff, Mo., office. The patrol's Troop E covers a 13-county area from Cape Girardeau County to the Bootheel.

As of Friday, 78 people had died in traffic accidents this year in Southeast Missouri compared to 85 at this time last year, Plunkett said.

In all, 89 people died in traffic crashes in Southeast Missouri a year ago.

Plunkett said he can't point to a certain reason why fatalities are down in the region.

The fatality total statewide this year is expected to increase between the weekend and New Year's Day.

Holiday reporting

In 2001, 15 persons were killed during the holiday reporting that typically involves a six-hour period beginning on New Year's Eve. Over the last five years, 57 people have died on Missouri roads during the New Year's holiday.

"We go down some years, we go up some years," said Capt. Chris Ricks, a spokesman for the highway patrol. "We'd prefer to see it go down. That's 1,100 people from our state and visitors who lost their lives. We're not at all pleased about that."

Five years ago, 1,192 people were killed on Missouri highways. In 1978, more than 1,200 people died.

Plunkett said inattention and driving at excessive speeds are key factors in fatal crashes. So, too, is alcohol. One out of every four fatalities involves drunk drivers, he said.

In 70 percent of fatal accidents, the individuals killed weren't wearing seat belts, he said.

"That is why you need to wear your seat belt," Plunkett said.

Most of the fatal accidents in Southeast Missouri involve single-car crashes in which vehicles run off the roadways and strike trees, culverts or utility poles, he said.

The patrol's Ricks said motorists need to pay more attention while driving.

"If everybody would drive like the day they did when they first got their license, crash rates would probably be reduced at least by half," Ricks said.

Staff writer Mark Bliss contributed to this story.