Area, statewide motorcycle fatalities rising
By Jenna Wilson
Missouri reported a decrease in vehicle fatalities during 2023, but the number of motorcyclists killed hit an all-time high, which calls for concern on the roads.
According to preliminary data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 989 people died on Missouri roads in 2023, which is a 6% decrease compared to 2022. Preliminary numbers for motorcyclists show 175 bikers died on Missouri roads last year.
While motorcyclists can ride at a higher speed than other vehicles, state troopers say motorcycle riders should be aware that they are four times more likely to be injured in an accident due to less protection.
“In a motor vehicle, not only do you have the shell of the motor vehicle but you also have airbags and seatbelts that will most likely keep you in place,” said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Motorcycles don’t have seatbelts, and the chances of being ejected from that motorcycle is a lot greater. I know the weather has been nice lately, but everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings on the road.”
In 2022, there were four motorcycle fatalities in the Troop H area and that number rose to seven in 2023.
Despite Missouri’s no helmet law for riders over 26, officials urge bikers to wear the appropriate safety gear, which includes a helmet, to reduce the chances of a crash resulting in a fatality.
“Once the helmet law went into effect, we almost doubled in motorcycle fatalities in comparison to the year before,” Hux said. “Make sure you’re wearing those helmets; you have on protective shoes and clothing and if you’re riding at night have on a reflective vest.”
Hux said there are many driving habits people often repeat that put their lives at risk, including not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign and not sharing the road.
Motorcyclists and other drivers need to check all directions at intersections, clearly signal the direction they want to go when making a turn or switching lanes and stay off cellular devices when behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving contributed to more than 100 fatality crashes in the state of Missouri,” Hux said. “We’re hoping people will obey the new ‘Hands-Free Law’ and put the devices down. We’re going to continue our efforts through strict enforcement and education and hopefully get these numbers down even further. We’re not bragging that there’s a 6% decrease in total fatalities statewide because 989 people still lost their life last year.”
