Hailey
Missouri is facing a troubling rise in highway deaths this year. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has confirmed that the state is on pace to surpass last year’s total number of road fatalities.
After two years of steady decline, the number of deadly crashes has started to climb again, raising serious concerns about driver behavior, road safety, and distracted driving across the state.
Rising Deaths and Current Statistics
According to MoDOT Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Eric Schroeter, 745 people have died on Missouri highways so far in 2025 — averaging more than two deaths every day.
Schroeter called the increase “unacceptable”, expressing sympathy for families and road workers affected by these tragedies.
He explained that this time of year usually sees a rise in accidents due to holiday travel, longer nighttime driving hours caused by daylight saving time, and other seasonal factors. To reduce the risks, Schroeter urged all drivers to buckle their seatbelts and avoid using mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Is the I-70 Construction to Blame?
One of Missouri’s largest ongoing projects — the Interstate 70 expansion — has drawn public attention. The highway is undergoing a five-year construction project to add new lanes, and some residents have linked it to the rising death toll.
However, Schroeter clarified that the construction has not significantly affected the number of crashes. He added that work zones are being closely monitored and adjusted for safety, especially after several fatal accidents between Wentzville and Warrenton.
Efforts to Improve Safety in Work Zones
To protect both drivers and construction workers, MoDOT has made several changes in active work zones:
| Safety Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane Adjustments | Lanes have been widened for better vehicle movement. |
| Speed Limit Changes | Speed limits are adjusted depending on traffic flow. |
| Increased Monitoring | Police patrols and surveillance have increased in high-risk zones. |
| Public Awareness | Drivers are reminded about the dangers of speeding and inattention. |
Missouri currently has over 950 active work zones. Despite repeated warnings, Schroeter said many drivers still ignore posted speed limits and drive too fast through these areas — one of the biggest causes of fatal crashes.
Highway Patrol’s New Safety Team
To respond to these growing risks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol recently launched a new program called the Strategic Traffic Operations and Rapid Mobilization Team in September 2025.
According to Officer Scott White, 23 officers across the state are now focused on stopping dangerous drivers, especially in construction zones and busy highways like I-70. The team also uses aircraft support to track speeding and reckless driving.
In just one month, they have made over 1,200 traffic stops and issued around 850 citations for speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving.
Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause
Both MoDOT and the Highway Patrol agree that distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in Missouri. In 2023 and 2024, more than 100 deaths were directly linked to distracted driving — though officials believe the real number may be even higher.
To fight this, Missouri lawmakers passed a law banning texting while driving. This law became enforceable in early 2025, and troopers have already issued over 1,300 tickets statewide.
White emphasized that officers will continue to enforce the law aggressively, as distracted and inattentive driving still cause many crashes every month.
The rise in Missouri highway deaths is a reminder that safety depends on everyone. While roadwork and traffic conditions play a role, human choices — speeding, using phones, or ignoring seatbelts — remain the main cause of tragedy.
Authorities urge all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly to save lives across Missouri’s roads.