The number of deaths caused by car crashes in St. Louis County is on pace to match last year's first-half total, notes 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, according to the release. 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, 21 crashes have led to 22 deaths in St. Louis County this year. That matches the pace set in 2011, and is slightly lower than the crashes and fatalities recorded in 2010.

This year in Patch towns, fatal crashes have occurred in Chesterfield (3), Des Peres, Ellisville, Florissant, Maryland Heights (2), Sunset Hills, Town and Country, University City and Wildwood.