BELLE — Crash fatalities across the Meramec Region are down in the early weeks of 2026, according to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT.

As of Feb. 8, the Meramec Region has recorded two traffic fatalities. At the same time last year, the region had recorded seven. Statewide, Missouri has recorded 56 fatalities so far this year. At this time in 2025, the statewide total stood at 89, marking a decline of more than 37 percent.

Within the Meramec Region, Phelps County has reported two fatalities in 2026 so far. Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Pulaski and Washington counties have not reported any fatalities so far this year. Officials say the decline is encouraging but caution it is still early in the year and crash totals can shift with increased travel and changing weather conditions.

In 2025, the Meramec Region recorded 49 total crash fatalities, down from 42 the previous year. Washington County recorded 10 fatalities in 2025, followed by Crawford County with nine and Pulaski County with eight. Phelps and Gasconade counties each recorded six fatalities, Dent County five, Maries County four and Osage County one fatality that year.

Statewide, Missouri recorded 911 crash fatalities in 2025. The total was 955 the year prior.

Additional statewide data for 2026 shows declines in driver and passenger fatalities. However, seat belt use remains a concern. This data also shows 68 percent of fatalities in cases where seat belt use was required and known involved individuals who were unbuckled. Traffic safety officials continue to stress that wearing a seat belt remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a crash.

The commission also continues bike and pedestrian safety programs and Buckle Buddy seat belt education efforts at area schools.

Officials encourage drivers to buckle up, slow down and avoid distractions to help reduce crashes and save lives.