More people have drowned on Missouri waterways so far this year than all of last year, according to preliminary statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
On the states lakes and rivers, officials say a total of 30 drownings have occurred so far this year, one more than all of last year. That includes four drownings in the last five days and one near drowning, none of whom were wearing life jackets. Specifically in Troop D in southwest Missouri, four people have been killed in boating crashes and another seven have drowned in 2015.
There’s also been a six percent increase in traffic fatalities in Missouri so far in 2015 compared to the same period last year.
Through the first six months of this year, there have been 437 traffic fatalities. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that of those required to be restrained, approximately 63 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The patrol cites inattention, speed, and impaired driving as the leading causes of traffic crashes in Missouri.
Officials urge motorists, water craft operators and their passengers to wear a safety restraint or life jacket.