Missouri pedestrian fatalities have risen 22% this year. Does the state need a new strategy?

So far this year, 128 pedestrians have been killed in Missouri — a troubling increase over the same period in 2024, which was already the deadliest on record.

Last year was the deadliest on record for Missouri pedestrians, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. Not including bicyclists, there were 105 pedestrian fatalities in the state through Nov. 9, 2024.

But so far this year, there have been 128 — a troubling 22% increase. If bicyclists are included, 166 non-motorists died last year in collisions with vehicles.

Jon Nelson, MoDOT's state highway safety and traffic engineer, said the number reflects a distressing pattern.

"We are having trouble making progress," Nelson said, "Compared to 10 years ago, people are driving faster and are more distracted on their phones —