It is always helpful to know what sort of drivers you’re sharing the road with. That’s why our personal injury attorneys of Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. have compiled a quick review of important motor vehicle accident statistics for Springfield and Greene County, Missouri, that you should know as a local driver. Data used is from various sources, such as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Springfield Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). Hopefully, by knowing some of these statistics, you can make better, safer decisions while on the road, as well as prepare ahead of time for what you’ll want to do if you are ever hit by a negligent driver in your area.
Springfield, Greene County & Missouri Traffic Accident Statistics
- The Springfield Police Department reported 6,121 total crashes in 2023, which was less than the 6,572 total crashes reported in 2022.
- 35 deaths and 2,440 serious injuries resulted from the total crashes in 2023 in Springfield, Missouri.
- An early estimate of Springfield crash data from 2024 predicts around 6,000 total crashes, 23 fatalities, and 1,649 injuries; crash data usually takes more than a year to officially compile and finalize.
- MSHP Troop D, which serves 18 total counties in Southwestern Missouri, reported 192 traffic fatalities overall in 2023.
- Statewide, MoDOT reported 989 traffic fatalities in 2023, which was noticeably fewer than the 1,057 reported statewide in 2022.
Springfield, Greene County & Missouri Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- In the City of Springfield, 10 fatal motorcycle accidents were reported in 2023; this amount might seem “small”, but each accident could have been avoided, and the number nearly doubled from 2022.
- MSHP Troop D reported 48 motorcycle fatalities in 2023, almost 25% more than in 2022.
- MoDOT reported 175 motorcycle fatalities in 2023, which is believed to be related to the change in motorcycle helmet use laws in 2020 that may have encouraged more motorcyclists to ride without a helmet.
Missouri Crash Injury Prevention Statistics
- MoDOT data shows that in 2023, 63% of vehicle occupants killed in accidents were not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
- MSHP Troop D reports that 66% of occupant fatalities in the Troop’s service area in 2023 were not wearing seat belts.
- Statewide data shows that 44% of motorcyclist fatalities in 2023 were suffered by riders who weren’t wearing a properly fitted motorcycle helmet.
- MSHP statewide crash data for 2022 shows that more than 33% of all traffic fatalities were suffered by people aged 15 to 35, and about 16% of all traffic fatalities were suffered by people aged 25 to 34; this data shows that young adult drivers are inordinately more likely to be in a fatal accident than other age groups, possibly due to reckless behaviors.
Missouri Cause-of-Crash Statistics
- MSHP statewide data shows that in 2022, speeding was a factor in 34.3% of fatal accidents.
- MSHP statewide data from 2022 reveals that impairment caused by drugs or alcohol was a factor in 23.1% of fatal accidents.
- MSHP Troop D noted that in 2023, the rate of fatal accidents involving drunk drivers spiked by about 72% from the prior year.
- In 2023, distracted driving was confirmed in more than 100 traffic fatality cases statewide, but the actual number is believed to be much more due to the challenges of definitively proving driver distraction.
Using Crash Data to Improve Safe Driving Habits
Understanding local motor vehicle accident statistics can be helpful for you to improve or focus on your own safety on the road. The statistics above shed light on both the commonality of motor vehicle accidents and some of their causes. With this knowledge in mind, you can make more conscious decisions to reduce your risk of being involved in a collision by committing to defensive, responsible driving or motorcycle riding at all times.
Keep these simple tips in mind if you want to help lower Springfield and Greene County’s accident statistics going forward:
- Adjust your driving habits based on common risk factors, such as reducing speed and increasing following distance in bad weather.
- Identify the most frequent causes of accidents, such as distracted driving or speeding, and actively work to avoid these behaviors.
- Stay informed about safety campaigns and initiatives in Missouri, which often provide resources to help drivers make safer choices.
- Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to always exercise safe driving habits, too.
After a Crash in Springfield or Greene County, Call Our Firm
Understanding Missouri motor vehicle accident statistics can be a helpful step toward safer driving, but even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in accidents caused by the negligence of others on the road. If you are injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault in Springfield or Greene County, Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. is here to provide the experienced guidance and counsel you deserve. With a real commitment to supporting injured motorists and motorcyclists in our communities, we stand ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for compassionate, experienced legal help when you need it most. Call (888) 287-1046 or use an online contact form now.