The number of traffic fatalities on Missouri’s roads is down for the second straight year. The total has dropped from 1,257 in 2005 … to 1,096 in 2006 … to 974 for 2007.

Although the 2007 total will rise as additional reports come, it is estimated the number will remain below 1,000 – arriving one year early at a goal set by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety . This marks an 11 percent decline over 2006 totals and a 24 percent reduction from 2005.

The Coalition, a large group of safety advocates, credits traffic law enforcement and education. It also credits the State Transportation Department’s installation of median guard cable on the Interstates, rumble stripes, smoother pavement, as well as better and brighter markings.

The Coalition is continuing to push for a primary seat belt law in Missouri, saying increased use of seat belts would save about 90 lives a year. Under current law, Missourians must buckle up, but will only be ticketed if they are stopped for another offense.