Missouri Road Rage & Dangerous Driving Statistics (2025)

Alcohol and Drug Trends in Missouri DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence remains one of Missouri's most persistent traffic safety challenges. The data reveals distinct patterns between alcohol-related and drug-related DUI accidents over the past decade.

Alcohol-involved accidents have shown a general downward trend, starting at 5,234 incidents in 2013 and declining to 4,790 in 2023. The most significant drop occurred in 2022, when alcohol-related accidents fell to 4,416—the lowest point in the dataset. This decline typically reflects improved enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns, and changes in social attitudes toward drunk driving.

Drug-involved DUI accidents present a more volatile pattern. Starting at 842 incidents in 2013, these accidents peaked at 1,134 in 2020 before dropping sharply to 702 in 2022 and rising slightly to 724 in 2023. The 2020 spike generally coincides with pandemic-related changes in driving patterns and potentially increased substance use during lockdowns.

These statistics underscore the ongoing need for comprehensive DUI prevention strategies. Victims of impaired driving accidents usually face complex legal challenges, including proving impairment and securing appropriate compensation for their injuries.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Missouri Are Declining

Distracted driving has become an increasingly recognized threat on Missouri's roads, with technology playing a central role in this growing concern.

The data shows distracted driving accidents fluctuated significantly over the decade. Starting at 21,272 incidents in 2013, accidents generally remained above 19,000 through 2019. The pandemic year of 2020 saw a dramatic decrease to 15,767 accidents, likely due to reduced traffic volume during lockdowns.

Post-pandemic recovery brought mixed results. While 2021 saw an increase to 17,536 accidents, the numbers have generally remained lower than pre-pandemic levels, with 15,059 in 2022 and 16,102 in 2023.

These figures typically reflect the ongoing challenge of smartphone use while driving, despite Missouri's hands-free driving laws. Legal experts usually emphasize that proving distraction in accident cases requires a thorough investigation of phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction.

Aggressive Driving Is the Leading Cause of Accidents in Missouri

Aggressive driving represents the largest category of dangerous driving behaviors tracked in Missouri, with numbers that dwarf other categories. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 56.66% of total accidents and 67.85% of fatal accidents were caused by aggressive driving.

The data reveals that aggressive driving accidents peaked in 2016 at 89,057 incidents, representing the highest point across all years studied. From 2013 to 2016, accidents generally increased from 78,417 to this peak level. The period from 2017 to 2019 maintained high levels, typically exceeding 84,000 incidents annually.

The 2020 pandemic year brought a significant reduction to 70,131 accidents, followed by a rebound to 81,986 in 2021. Recent years show a declining trend, with 73,858 accidents in 2022 and 77,538 in 2023.

Aggressive driving typically includes behaviors such as tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving between lanes, and road rage incidents. These cases usually involve complex liability determinations, as multiple factors often contribute to aggressive driving accidents.

How Many Speeding-Related Accidents in Missouri?

Speeding violations have shown a notable downward trend over the past decade, representing one of the more positive developments in Missouri's traffic safety landscape.

Starting at 14,651 accidents in 2013, speeding-related incidents peaked at 16,238 in 2019. However, the trend generally shows improvement, with a significant drop to 10,273 accidents in 2023, the lowest figure in the dataset.

The 2017 data shows an unusual dip to 11,756 accidents, which may reflect changes in enforcement patterns or reporting methodologies. The pandemic year of 2020 brought speeding accidents down to 12,225, and this lower trend has generally continued through 2023.

This declining trend typically reflects improved vehicle safety technology, enhanced speed enforcement, and possibly changing driving habits among Missouri drivers. Legal professionals usually note that speeding cases often involve clear liability determinations, making them more straightforward than other dangerous driving categories.

Seeking Legal Help After Dangerous Driving Accidents

Missouri drivers who become victims of dangerous driving behaviors typically face significant challenges in pursuing compensation for their injuries and damages. These cases usually require experienced legal representation to navigate complex insurance claims, gather evidence, and establish liability.

ConsumerShield connects individuals with qualified attorneys across Missouri who specialize in personal injury cases involving dangerous driving behaviors. Our nationwide network includes attorneys experienced in handling DUI accidents, distracted driving cases, aggressive driving incidents, and speeding-related crashes.

Check out these Missouri lawyer pages to get started:

• Missouri Car Accident Lawyer
• Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
• Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer

Our matching service is completely free for clients, and we provide ongoing support throughout the legal journey. ConsumerShield has connected thousands of clients with qualified attorneys who understand the complexities of dangerous driving accident cases.

Understanding these statistics helps Missouri drivers recognize the ongoing risks on state roads and the importance of defensive driving practices. When dangerous driving behaviors result in accidents, qualified legal representation typically proves essential for protecting victims' rights and securing appropriate compensation.