While Fatal Crashes Are on the Rise, St. Charles County Numbers Are Down

The number of deaths caused by car crashes in St. Charles County is slightly lower than last year's first-half total, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol's statistics.

That bucks the trend set by the rest of the state. The number of fatal crashes in Missouri is up by 62 compared to the first half of last year, according to a June 25 highway patrol news release.

The increase follows six consecutive years of declining fatalities caused by crashes, the release notes. More than two-thirds of the fatalities involved people who weren't wearing a seat belt.

"Please give your full attention to driving. Follow all traffic laws, and remember that seat belts can and do save lives," stated Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in the news release.

So far, 10 crashes have led to 10 deaths in St. Charles County this year. That's lower than the paces set in 2011 and 2010.

This year in Patch towns, fatal crashes have occurred in O'Fallon, Wentzville and just outside St. Charles.