NCJ Number
206729
Date Published
2004
Length
294 pages
Annotation
This Compendium presents statistical data on the scope, magnitude, and severity of the traffic crash problem in Missouri.
Abstract
The purpose of the Compendium is to provide the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other State and local authorities with the most up-to-date information on Missouri’s traffic crash problem. Data were drawn from the Statewide Traffic Accident Records System, maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol; historical information is offered, but emphasis is placed on 2003 traffic crash data. During 2003, Missouri experienced a total of 182,624 traffic crashes, representing an estimated financial loss of $3,431,654,000. Fatalities were recorded in 1,095 (0.6 percent) of the total crashes and injuries were recorded in 45,966 (25.2 percent) of the crashes. Speed was discovered to be a significant contributing factor in traffic crashes in Missouri, particularly crashes involving death and injury. Of the 182,624 traffic crashes in 2003, 18 percent were speed related. Drinking was another significant contributing factor, with 4.6 percent of the total crashes in 2003 attributed to drunk drivers. Of the fatal crashes, a full 23.2 percent of them involved drunk drivers. Individuals under the age of 21 were involved in a large number of crashes in Missouri during 2003; 29.9 percent of the total crashes for the year involved drivers under the age of 21 years. Drivers older than 55 years were involved in 27.7 percent of all Missouri crashes during 2003. Commercial motor vehicles were involved in 10.1 percent of all 2003 Missouri crashes and in 16.4 percent of all fatal traffic crashes. When motorcycles were involved in traffic crashes, there were higher percentages of fatalities and injuries; in 2003, 81.4 percent of crashes involving motorcycles resulted in death or injury. School buses and bicycles were not involved in a large number of traffic crashes; in 2003 0.8 percent of all crashes involved a school bus and 0.4 percent involved a bicycle. While pedestrians were also not involved in a large number of traffic crashes, when they were involved the outcome was often death or injury. A full 94.2 percent of crashes involving pedestrians resulted in death or injury. Analyses are also offered for crashes involving hazardous materials, construction and other work zones, and motor vehicles striking fixed objects. Seatbelt usage is similarly examined. Tables, figures, glossary