With roadway fatalities on the rise, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to take extra precautions as the holiday travel season approaches. Officials say 2025 is on track to surpass last year’s number of deadly crashes if current trends continue.
So far this year, more than 700 people have been killed in crashes across the state. MO-DOT reports that over half of those who died were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, a statistic the agency says underscores the importance of basic safety measures.
Distracted driving also remains a major concern. In 2024, 106 crashes were directly attributed to distracted driving, but officials believe that number is likely higher due to underreporting and difficulty proving distraction as a cause.
The department’s reminder comes as Missouri marks its ninth annual “Buckle Up, Phones Down” day on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The statewide campaign encourages Missourians to make two simple commitments — to always wear a seatbelt and to put their phones away while driving.
MO-DOT officials say those two actions alone can save lives and prevent countless serious injuries. They’re also asking communities, schools, and businesses to participate by sharing the safety message on social media and encouraging others to take the pledge.
As winter weather and heavier holiday traffic draw near, transportation officials are reminding drivers that safe decisions behind the wheel — like slowing down, avoiding distractions, and buckling up — can make the difference between a safe trip and a tragedy.
