EDUCATION, PREVENTION SAVES LIVES ON HIGHWAYS

Education and prevention these are two critical factors in Missouri's declining number of accident fatalities. The 1992 numbers achieved a seven-year low in Missouri mirroring a nationwide trend.

Commendation is due to state and local law enforcement agencies and ... all of us. After all, motorists are the ones who are buckling up when they get behind the wheel and who decide not to drink and drive. Our reward can be found in human life.

Missouri ended the year with around 967 highway fatalities. That's down 44 from 1,011 in 1991. It's a remarkable achievement for the state. It's the first time since 1985 that Missouri's highway death toll fell below the 1,000 mark. It's down nearly a third from the all-time high of 1,528 deaths in 1969.

In the 13-county Troop E, 1992 highway fatalities numbered 76 down from 83 in 1991. Nationally, traffic deaths will drop below 40,000 in 1993 the lowest annual figure in 30 years. It represents a five percent decrease from last year's 41,462 deaths.

Stepped up law enforcement has also impacted these figures. Increased drunk driving arrests, seat belt violations, speeding tickets and the like send a powerful message to drivers. And motorists are listening as many drive slower, buckle up, and opt not to drink and drive.

It's no accident this decrease in fatalities accompanies an increase in seat belt use. Missouri officials announced that they had achieved the nationwide goal of 70 percent use of seat belt and child restraints by the end of 1992. Missouri is are one of only 14 states to achieve this 70 percent goal of seat belt and child restraint usage. More than merely a good idea, this change is saving lives. In Cape Girardeau, we can be proud of the fact that usage is even higher at 72 percent.

As we learn about ways and reasons to drive more safely, we can prevent tragedy on Missouri's highways and byways. The dividend can be found in lives saved and injuries lessened or averted.