ATLANTA, MO -- Traffic fatalities across the state of Missouri are up six percent compared to this time last year and sixty three percent of those fatalities involved patrons not wearing a seatbelt.

According to the Missouri state highway patrol most of those accidents were at major intersections from drivers failing to yield to right away or stop.

After yesterday’s serious accident on Highway 63 and Route M, in Atlanta, the patrol is reminding drivers not to take driving for granted. The patrol is going to be continuing Operation STOP, which stands for stop, think, observe, and proceed.

Since the operation began in March, 150 citations have been issued for basic traffic violations.

“Motorist need to realize that whenever they approach an intersection, they need to understand it is their responsibility to see that they can safely cross that intersection. Making sure there is no oncoming traffic and they do heed to the traffic signals such as stop signs,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Brent Bernhardt said.

Sergeant Bernhard says most of the accidents involve a driver that lives within a few miles of the accident site. Bernhard reminds drivers that no matter how often you drive a particular area, you should devote full attention.