Travel Safely This Labor Day
- Buckle Up!
Labor Day is one of the
busiest travel holidays of the year. The Missouri Department of
Transportation urges all motorists to be extra cautious while
driving this holiday weekend, especially with more work zones
thanks to Amendment 3. Although work zone construction will be
put on hold during the weekend, motorists will still notice heavier
traffic.
Over the 2004 Labor Day
holiday in Missouri, 20 people died and 563 people were injured
in more than 1,200 traffic crashes. Of those 20 fatalities, 14
were not using their safety belt.
Speeding, inattention,
failing to yield and drinking were the most common causes of crashes
during last year's holiday weekend, which runs from Friday at
6 p.m. to Monday at midnight. Over the 2004 holiday weekend, one
person was killed or injured every eight minutes.
"It is important that all
motorists stay alert, use extreme caution and wear their safety
belts this holiday weekend," says Don Hillis, director of System
Management for MoDOT. "Even the most careful driver can't avoid
all crashes, but it is a proven fact that safety belts save lives
- so buckle up!"
Several state and private
organizations have joined together as the Missouri Coalition for
Roadway Safety to remind Missourians to Arrive Alive
by making smart driving choices.
"MoDOT urges everyone to
have a fun and safe holiday by making good choices and being cautious
on Missouri roadways," Hillis says.
MoDOT offers several tips
for safe travel this holiday weekend:
Buckle up -
every trip, every time- safety belts save lives.
Don't drink and
drive - impairment of any kind is dangerous.
Don't speed -
note the posted limits and adjust for weather and traffic conditions.
Pay attention and
stay alert - dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
Obey traffic rules
and signs- they are there to help you.
Plan your trip
- determine your route before you leave.
Get plenty of rest
before your trip - change drivers if you feel tired.
Be patient and
courteous.
For more information about
construction projects statewide, visit www.modot.org
or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
