2015 ends with highest number of traffic fatalities in three years

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The year 2015 ended with an increase in fatalities on Missouri roads, including in Southeast Missouri.

After two years of lower numbers, the fatalities in Missouri for 2015 were over 800 for the first time since 2012. As of Dec. 31, 853 lives were reported lost in 2015 Missouri traffic crashes.

According to Sgt. Clark Parrott, there were 73 fatal accidents last year for Troop E, which includes Scott, New Madrid, Mississippi, Stoddard, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Pemiscot, Ripley and Wayne counties. This was up from 62 fatalities recorded in 2014 and in 2013, the Troop E area had 67 fatal accidents, said Parrott, public information officer with Troop E.

With the lower gas prices during the past year, more cars are on the roadways.

"Gas prices are half of what they were a year ago," Parrott said. "As gas prices drop, more people are traveling."

According to Patrol officer, the leading causes of fatal crashes continue to be speeding, driver inattention and impaired driving. What is particular troublesome, Parrott said, is when all three are mixed together - a driver who is impaired, traveling at a high rate of speed and becomes distracted often can result in an accident.

For the full story, see today's edition of the Standard Democrat.