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Traffic Deaths Are Up 12 Percent In Missouri Despite Fewer Cars On The Roadways

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Even through traffic volumes have dropped significantly this year because of COVID-19, roadway fatalities are up 12 percent in Missouri over last year.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there have been 402 traffic fatalities so far this year—an increase of 43 over the same time last year.  And MODOT officials are especially concerned because the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is one of the deadliest for motorists.

MODOT director, Patrick McKenna is asking drivers and passengers to wear their seatbelts, put their phones down and slow down. 

Seventy percent of those who have been killed in traffic crashes in the state so far this year were unbuckled.

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Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.