Home - Personal Tax - Business Tax - Motor Vehicle - Driver License - Human Resources - Online Services

For Immediate Release
Date: October 25, 2007
Contact: Glenda Beck
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Revenue Department Supporting Highway Patrol's "Help Wanted" Safety Campaign

        JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Revenue has joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in its “I’m Saving Lives. Help Wanted.” highway safety campaign. By the end of the month, troopers will deliver “Help Wanted” promotional posters to be placed in all 183 motor vehicle and driver license contract offices across the state.

        While Missouri led the nation in 2006 by reducing the number of traffic deaths by 13 percent, 2007 statistics show a decrease of 11 percent compared to the same period in 2006. The Highway Patrol’s goal for 2008 is to have fewer than 1,000 traffic fatalities.

        Revenue Director Trish Vincent was delighted to lend the department’s support to the Highway Patrol’s “Help Wanted” safety campaign. “The reduction in traffic fatalities from 2005 to 2006 was astounding, but there’s still work to be done,” said Vincent. “There are 161 people alive who wouldn’t be if Missouri’s 2006 statistics had remained at 2005 levels. That’s over 161 mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who wake up every day safe and sound. That number continues to grow as Missouri’s roads become safer every day.”

        The Highway Patrol offered tips for improving safety, including:

  1. Wear your seat belt. A driver in an accident had a 1 in 31 chance of being killed if not wearing a seat belt. When the driver was wearing a seat belt, their chance of being killed was 1 in 1,300.
  2. Pay attention when you’re driving. A total of 232 people were killed and 12,421 were injured in 2006 Missouri traffic crashes when driver inattention was listed as a contributing factor.
  3. Avoid drinking and driving. A total of 273 people were killed and 5,157 people were injured in Missouri traffic crashes that were drinking-related.
  4. Obey the speed limit. A total of 454 persons were killed and 13,919 were injured in 2006 as a result of speed-related crashes in Missouri.
  5. Be a courteous driver.

###

 
© Missouri Department of Revenue. All rights reserved.