KEEP AUTO INSPECTIONS IN MISSOURI

During the recent campaign season, many ideas and programs were floated before voters. Some seemed well-founded, others sounded downright silly.

In the silly category was the notion to eliminate Missouri's annual vehicle inspections. This is a valid program that should remain in place.

The annual auto inspection provide an important safety check for Missouri drivers. They help ensure that major auto defects are found before they lead to disaster.

Nationwide, one in every 43 vehicles involved in fatal accidents is defective. But in Missouri, the ratio is 1 in 117 vehicles. That's three times better than the national average and a credit to the inspection system.

With the advent of self-service gasoline, many people simply don't take their vehicles in for preventive maintenance. The higher cost of cars means that many people are keeping their vehicles longer, and driving faster with new speed limits.

Annual auto inspections have been part of Missourians' way of life since 1969. There is no pressing reason to make a change.