Published in Personal Injury on October 17, 2025
Traffic safety continues to be a major concern in Missouri, where thousands of crashes occur each year many of them under clear skies and on familiar roads. Despite improvements in vehicle technology and roadway infrastructure, 2023 data shows that human behavior remains the leading cause of fatal collisions.
To better understand the patterns behind these incidents, 2023 crash data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol was analyzed and visualized in Tableau. The goal was to uncover when, where, and why fatal crashes happen, and who is most at risk. For those affected by serious collisions, speaking with experienced Missouri car accident attorneys can help ensure their rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their losses.
Key Findings from Analyzing the Missouri Crash Data
- Friday and Saturday evenings were the most dangerous times to drive in Missouri.
- Jackson County had the highest number of fatal crashes in 2023, followed by St. Louis County and Greene County.
- Most fatal crashes occurred in severe weather conditions like freezing temperatures, fog, and strong crosswinds.
- Speeding, alcohol, and drug use were the top factors linked to deadly crashes.
- Car accident involving people 65 years and older faces the highest risk of fatality during a crash.
When Crashes Happen in Missouri
Crash frequency increases sharply toward the weekend. Friday and Saturday evenings, especially between 6 PM and midnight, saw the highest crash totals. Afternoons (12 PM–6 PM) also had a higher crash rate, likely reflecting after-school traffic, commuting, and busier travel periods. These peaks suggest that fatigue, distraction, and impairment are key contributors during high-traffic hours.
Where the Most Fatal Missouri Crashes Occur
Urban and suburban areas reported the greatest number of fatalities, while rural regions showed higher fatality rates per crash.
- Jackson County: 132 fatal crashes
- St. Louis County: 99 fatal crashes
- Greene County: 54 fatal crashes
Counties such as Jefferson and St. Charles recorded fewer total crashes but still show concerning trends when adjusted for population and roadway miles.
Missouri Weather Conditions Impact on Fatal Crashes
While most crashes in 2023 occurred in clear, dry conditions, the likelihood of a crash turning fatal was significantly higher during severe weather. The data shows that although clear skies accounted for nearly 100,000 crashes, conditions like fog, freezing temperatures, and strong crosswinds had the highest fatal crash rates. This contrast highlights that while driver behavior contributes to most crashes overall, dangerous weather greatly increases the severity and risk of death when collisions occur.
Top Contributing Factors to Missouri Car Accidents
The leading causes of Missouri’s crashes included:
- Following Too Close
- Improper Lane Change
- Failure to Yield
- Driving too Fast
Most crashes in Missouri last year were caused by everyday driving mistakes. Things like improper lane changes, failing to yield, or driving too fast for conditions. But when it comes to deadly crashes, impairment stands out. Alcohol and drug-related crashes were far less common but much more likely to be fatal, showing how dangerous driving under the influence really is.
Who Is Most at Risk During a Missouri Accident
Although drivers aged 25–34 were involved in the most total crashes, the fatality rate climbs sharply with age. Missourians aged 65 and older face the highest risk of dying in a crash, even though they’re involved in fewer total incidents suggesting greater vulnerability rather than frequency.
Missouri’s Deadliest Counties (2023)
| County | Fatal Crashes | 10-Year Average | Difference (+/-) |
| Jackson | 132 | 94.4 | +21 |
| St. Louis County | 99 | 79.2 | +2 |
| Greene | 54 | 35.7 | +8 |
| St. Charles | 22 | 29.3 | -14 |
| Jefferson | 24 | 35.3 | -19 |
| Boone | 26 | 17.4 | +3 |
| Clay | 18 | 19.6 | +3 |
Jackson and St. Louis County together accounted for nearly one-quarter of all traffic deaths in Missouri.
What the Missouri Crash Data Tells Us
Fatal crashes in Missouri often happen in normal conditions, not during storms or unusual events. The biggest risks remain behavioral speeding, distracted driving, and impairment. These trends highlight the importance of targeted public awareness, stricter enforcement of impaired driving laws, and continued investment in safer road design.
Methodology
This study analyzed 2023 crash data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and related public safety datasets. Tableau was used to visualize trends by county, time of day, weather, road surface, and cause. Fatality totals were compared against 10-year averages to identify notable increases or decreases across Missouri counties.