Missouri Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

By Zane T. Cagle | May 7, 2024 | Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunately common part of day-to-day life throughout the country, and Missouri is no different. Although most drivers on the road do what they can to drive defensively and safely, some car accidents are unavoidable. Having an understanding of the Missouri car accident statistics can help some drivers learn when and where to be more cautious. It can also provide more information about the common causes and circumstances of accidents in the state.

Preliminary 2023 Traffic Statistics

In 2023, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), there were 992 traffic fatalities, down from 1,030 in 2022. Jackson County had the highest number at 133 fatalities. St. Louis County reported 99 fatalities, and Greene County reported 53.

Overview of Traffic Crashes in Missouri in 2021

In 2021, there were 1,016 people killed in traffic accidents and 52,109 people injured, according to information gathered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). The majority of the 1,016 fatal crashes that year occurred in August, followed by June. The majority of fatal crashes occurred on Saturdays and Fridays, with 155 and 154 fatal crashes, respectively. The majority of all crashes occur on Thursdays, with 24,618 crashes. The most common time that fatal crashes occurred was between 4:00 p.m. to 7:59 p.m.

The 2021 reported fatalities, according to MoDOT, resulted in a one-year rate of 1.27 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled and a five-year rate of 1.23 fatalities.

Of the fatalities reported in 2021, 114 of them occurred in Jackson County, and 110 of them occurred in St. Louis County. Comparatively, the city of St. Louis reported 71 traffic fatalities. Greene County reported 49 fatalities.

Impaired Driving Crashes in Missouri

When drivers operate their vehicles under the influence, it increases the likelihood of a crash. They may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs. Being impaired lowers your reaction speeds when driving, and it also limits your ability to make rational decisions. All of this makes crashes more likely.

Alcohol was the probable contributing cause in 5,480 crashes, based on MSHP data in 2021. This included 163 fatal crashes, which resulted in 176 fatalities. It resulted in 2,111 injury crashes, and 3,206 crashes only caused property damage.

In the same year, there were 213 fatalities in car accidents that involved a driver who was impaired by a substance, which includes drugs, alcohol, or a combination of these. Of the 199 drivers who were substance-impaired, 80.9% were male, and 27.1% of all substance-impaired drivers were between the ages of 20 and 29.

Other Common Causes of Crashes

Although driving impaired is dangerous, it is not the only cause of car accidents. It is not even the most common probable contributing cause of accidents in the state. The most common cause of fatal crashes, according to the MSHP, was improper lane changes, while the most common cause of injury and all other crashes was failing to yield.

Distracted driving was a probable cause in a total of 17,417 crashes, resulting in 4,678 injury crashes and 6,821 injured persons. Distracted driving caused 87 fatal crashes and 89 fatalities. Out of the 1,016 fatalities reported in 2021, 71 involved a distracted driver. 80.3% of the distracted drivers were male, and 30.6% of all distracted drivers that year were between the ages of 20 and 29.

In the same year, there were 548 fatalities in car accidents that involved an aggressive driver. Of the 497 reported aggressive drivers, 78.3% were male. 25.8% of aggressive drivers were between 20 and 29, and 22.3% were between 30 and 39.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Cause of Most Traffic Accidents in Missouri?

A: The main probable cause of traffic accidents in Missouri is the failure to yield, which resulted in 26,156 crashes out of a total of 184,878 crashes in the state, according to data gathered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2021. Of these failure-to-yield accidents, 17,656 resulted in only property damage, while 8,348 were injury crashes, and 152 were fatal crashes. The most common cause of fatal crashes was improper lane usage or lane changes, which resulted in 231 fatal crashes.

Q: Is Missouri a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Missouri is not a no-fault state. Missouri is an at-fault state for car accidents that occur on its roads. If you are involved in an auto accident, you can file a claim with the insurance provider of the driver who caused the accident. A driver does not have to intentionally cause an accident to be at fault. Acting negligently while driving, such as by being distracted, speeding, or failing to yield, can result in a driver being at fault for an accident if it causes a collision.

Q: What Causes the Most Car Accident Deaths in Missouri?

A: The most common probable cause of car accident deaths in Missouri is improper lane usage or lane changes, according to data gathered by the state’s highway patrol in 2021. It resulted in 231 fatal crashes and 261 people killed. The next most common cause of fatal crashes was driving too fast for the conditions, which resulted in 195 fatal crashes and 208 fatalities. This was followed by driving over the speed limit, which resulted in 175 fatal crashes and 200 fatalities.

Q: What City in Missouri Has the Most Fatal Car Accidents?

A: Kansas City, Missouri, likely had the most fatalities from car accidents, as it had 97 traffic fatalities in 2023 and 86 in 2022. The city has the highest population in the state, and having a higher number of traffic fatalities is common in highly-populated areas. The city of St. Louis had 51 traffic fatalities in 2023 and 79 in 2022. St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis had 151 fatalities in 2023 and 176 in 2022.

Legal Support If You’ve Been in an Accident in Missouri

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you can file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. This process is much easier and more likely to get you the most compensation when you work with an experienced car accident attorney. Contact The Cagle Law Firm to see how we can help.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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