MO Records 800th Traffic Death of 2020

Missouri has had 800 traffic-related deaths so far this year. During the same period last year, Missouri had 711.

During a Missouri Chamber of Commerce Transportation Summit, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna says the spike in traffic deaths have occurred despite fewer drivers on the roadways. He adds that the number of people dying on Missouri’s highways, and across the nation, is unacceptable.

McKenna says 70 percent of the occupants killed in crashes this year were unbuckled.

McKenna says the state agency’s legislative priorities for next year include a proposed ban on using electronics while driving, a primary seat belt law and a proposed 10-cent fuel tax increase over five year. He says the state’s safety record impacts whether companies choose to move to Missouri.