The number of fatalities in Missouri has increased by 13 percent over last year after 16 lives were lost over the past weekend in traffic crashes.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 519 lives were reported lost this year in Missouri traffic crashes as of Aug. 17. Sixty-one percent of those killed were not wearing seat belts. The top causes of these fatalities were driver inattention, speeding, driving impaired and not wearing a seat belt.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to use caution when driving.

“Drivers must take personal responsibility for safety when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” says MoDOT Director of Highway Safety Bill Whitfield. “Fatalities are preventable, if drivers take proper measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others.”

Since 2006 Missouri has seen a downward trend in statewide fatalities. However, currently there is a 13 percent increase in fatalities over this time last year.