Traffic fatalities in Callaway County dramatically decreased in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Preliminary data from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety shows six fatalities across the county last year.
This amount is a decrease of over 50 percent compared to 2021, where 13 traffic fatalities took place in Callaway County.
In 2020, there were six traffic fatalities in the county. 10 fatalities occurred in 2019, and seven in 2018.
According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, half of the traffic fatalities for 2022 happened in February. One fatality took place in January, three in February, one in March and one in September.
Overall, Missouri saw an increase in traffic fatalities across the state for 2022. MCRS reports 1,034 fatalities for last year. This amount is slightly increased from 2021's 1,016.
2019 saw the fewest traffic fatalities in Missouri in the last five years, with 881 reported.
September was the month in 2022 with the highest amount of traffic fatalities, according to MCRS. 109 fatalities were reported throughout the month.
Jackson County has the highest total amount of traffic fatalities with 529. 104 occurred in 2022, according to MCRS.
From 2017-2021, 21 unbelted fatalities were reported in Callaway County. 60 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities were unbelted, according to MCRS data.
An unbelted fatality is defined by MCRS as a vehicle occupant where a seat belt is required by the law.
A total of 1,990 unbelted fatalities were reported from 2017-2021, with 64.9 percent of fatalities being unbelted.
88.9 percent of drivers wore a seatbelt while driving in 2022, according to MCRS.
From 2017-2021, 2,547 traffic fatalities involved an aggressive driver. 31 fatalities with an aggressive driver were reported in Callaway County.
More statistics from MCRS can be viewed online.
MCRS has four emphasis areas to focus on in an attempt to decrease the amount of traffic fatalities. The areas are occupant protection, distracted driving, speed and aggressive driving, and impaired driving.
Each emphasis area has several campaigns to raise awareness of each issue. One of the most prominent campaigns is the Buckle Up Phone Down campaign.