MoDOT Pushes for Fourth Consecutive Year of Fewer Fatalities Headed into the Holidays

JEFFERSON CITY - As Missouri marks a decade of the Buckle Up Phone Down movement, it also nears an accomplishment not seen since 2011: four years in a row of declining roadway fatalities. To keep the momentum, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use safe driving practices heading into the holiday and winter season. Wednesday marks the 10th annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day, when various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state and nationwide promote personal responsibility and safe behavior behind the wheel.

To date in 2026, 716 people have died on Missouri roadways. More than half of those killed in vehicles were unbuckled. Distracted driving also remains a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2025, distracted driving was cited in crashes that claimed 97 lives, though the actual number is likely higher due to the underreporting of distracted drivers.

"We've made progress in reducing fatalities each of the last three years, but if we want to achieve a fourth year in a row of reductions, we're going to need everyone's help," said MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson. "BUPD Day represents a call to action for everyone to make the simple decisions that keep our roads safe. Simply deciding to wear your seat belt and put down the phone while driving will help us get closer to where we want to be."

Despite notable progress in recent years, the months of November and December represent a real threat to ending Missouri's fatality reduction streak. With increased travel, holiday gatherings, shorter days, and potential for adverse weather, it is imperative drivers remain vigilant in the coming months if Missouri is to maintain the current momentum. Last year, 144 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes from November 1 to December 31.

"Since launching BUPD, we've seen tremendous strides in the form of increased seat belt usage and a decreasing percentage of unbuckled fatalities," said Nelson. "But distracted and aggressive driving continue to be major concerns. These next two months are not only critical in ending the year with another reduction but also ensuring you make it to your holiday gatherings safely."

Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd and spread the word on social media using the hashtags #BUPD and #BUPDDay.

####

For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.

Follow MoDOT: Facebook| X (Twitter) | Instagram| YouTube