If accepting things we cannot change helps bring serenity, changing things we can will help improve public safety.
The Missouri Highway Patrol has released preliminary statistics showing fatalities on state roads and waterways decreased last year.
We promoted - some might say harped - on messages from public safety officials and law enforcement agencies last year. Topics included the need to wear seat belts, avoid drunk driving and obey traffic laws - particularly in school zones, work zones and during holiday counting periods.
Why? Because accidents are preventable. All that is required is that we heed fundamental safety suggestions.
The numbers indicate Missourians practiced safety last year and produced promising results.
By the numbers:
• Traffic fatalities totaled 753 in 2014, down marginally from 757 in 2013, but dramatically from the 1,257 in 2005.
• Boating fatalities dropped to 15 last year, compared to 17 in 2013.
• Drowning deaths in rivers and lakes totaled 29 last year, compared to 38 in 2013.
Admittedly, the credit must not be directed exclusively to drivers and water sports enthusiasts.
Auto manufacturers and traffic engineers continually are designing and implementing safety features.
Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced it would reduce the speed limit on a portion of Interstate 70 in response to crash statistics.
The speed limit will be reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph, effective Thursday, on the stretch of I-70 in Columbia, from east of the Route 63 connector to just east of the Lake of the Woods/St. Charles Road interchange.
"We have reviewed the crash data over the past five years and have determined that 60 mph is a more appropriate speed limit for this area," said MoDOT Senior Traffic Studies Specialist John Schaefer.
Public safety officials routinely review traffic information and make necessary adjustments.
Motorists would benefit from following that practice.
For example, the numbers show we are not starting the new year very well. The patrol reported nine fatalities during the recent New Year's holiday counting period. Although the 102-hour counting period exceeded the 30-hour duration a year ago, no fatalities occurred the previous year.
Also during the recent New Year, troopers investigated 344 traffic crashes, with 116 injuries, and arrested 90 motorists for driving while intoxicated.
We can and we must do better.