JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is reporting a decline in roadway deaths for the third consecutive year.

The department reports that from Jan. 1 to Aug. 24, there were about 577 fatalities in Missouri traffic crashes. MoDOT says these numbers are a decrease from last year, which saw 589 deaths during the same period.

“While the 2% decrease is encouraging, it’s too early to know if progress will hold, especially as Missourians transition to fall traffic patterns,” MoDOT wrote in a news release.

Despite the promising numbers, State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson noted that the second half of the year presents more challenges for drivers due to inclement weather, holiday travel, construction and shorter daylight hours.

“The road to z

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