MoDOT Urges Safe Driving Ahead of Holidays, as Fatalities Near 2024 Levels

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - With roadway fatalities in Missouri nearing last year’s total, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to make safety a top priority heading into the holiday and winter travel season.

The warning comes as MoDOT marks the state’s 9th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day on October 29, when schools, businesses, and safety partners across Missouri and beyond will promote safer driving habits.

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger says the state is currently on track to surpass 2024 levels in traffic fatalities.

So far in 2025, nearly 750 people have died on Missouri roadways. Of those vehicle occupants killed, more than half were not wearing seat belts. Officials say distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes statewide.

Last year, distracted driving was listed as a factor in crashes that claimed 106 lives, though Hassinger notes that number is likely higher due to underreporting.

As the holiday season approaches and more drivers take to the roads, often in challenging winter weather, MoDOT, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and AAA are emphasizing the importance of buckling up and putting phones down to prevent tragedies.

Hassinger says the Buckle Up Phone Down campaign has gained strong support from communities, organizations, and individuals statewide.

Drivers can join the challenge and learn more at modot.org/bupd.