JEFFERSON CITY (KMOX) - Speeding, not wearing a helmet and reckless driving is to blame for an increase in fatal motorcycle crashes in Missouri, says the Department of Transportation.
MoDOT announced motorcyclist fatalities are up 33% and many are not wearing their helmets. The number of unhelmeted riders killed in crashes increased from two in the first six months of 2020 to 31 so far in 2021. It comes after the August 2020 repeal of the all-rider helmet law in the state.
The increase in motorcycle fatalities is very concerning, but so are the overall trends” said Missouri Department of Transportation’s Assistant State Highway and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. “We see the same behaviors coming into play over and over again, and the reality is, these crashes don’t have to happen. You can take these simple steps to keep yourself and your passengers safe: wear a seat belt or motorcycle helmet, put your phone down, and slow down.”
Speeding among all drivers has also increased. So far during 2021, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers have issued more than 16,000 citations to drivers traveling 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, a 9% increase from the same time period in 2020.
More than 450 people died in crashes on Missouri roadways so far this year.
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