Travel Safely and Arrive Alive this Thanksgiving

JEFFERSON CITY – The Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season. It’s the first big shopping weekend before Christmas, and it’s also a weekend when many people travel to visit friends and relatives. Thanksgiving is also one of the most dangerous holidays on Missouri’s roadways.

In the past five years, 77 people have been killed and 3,314 have been injured in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways over Thanksgiving holidays. Last year over the Thanksgiving holiday, one person was killed or injured in a traffic crash every 10 minutes. 

“Currently we are experiencing an increase over last year in deaths resulting from traffic crashes,” said Leanna Depue, director of highway safety for the Missouri Department of Transportation. “This is certainly alarming and we want to encourage people traveling over the holiday to drive safely.”

Arrive Alive this holiday by following these safety tips:

• Plan your trip.  
• Stay alert and make safety your first priority. Inattention is a leading cause of traffic crashes.
• Expect the unexpected  – Pay close attention to those motorists around you.
• Drive the speed limit, and obey all traffic rules and signs. Speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of the fatal and personal injury crashes during the holiday period.
• Drive courteously.
• Move over or slow down if you see emergency personnel on the side of the road with their lights flashing.
• Minimize distractions – Turn the radio down, and don’t use your mobile phone.
• Turn on your headlights so others can see you.
• Use safety belts and child safety seats. The use of safety belts and child restraints is one of the best ways to prevent death and personal injury when involved in a traffic crash.
• Get plenty of rest before your trip, and change drivers if you feel tired.
• Don’t drive if you have been drinking.
• Allow plenty of distance before entering or crossing a roadway, when approaching oncoming traffic.

Arrive Alive is the theme of the safety campaign sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.  The Coalition is charged with implementation of Missouri’s Blueprint for Safer Roadways, which outlines strategies for reducing fatal and serious injuries on Missouri roadways. For more information please call 1-800-800-2358.