In 2008, MoDOT will continue working toward improving 5,600 miles of roadway by the end of 2011, which will bring 85 percent of Missouri’s roadways up to good condition. Called Better Roads, Brighter Future, the program targets highways carrying 80 percent of all traffic on the state highway system – that’s 103 million miles traveled a day. These improvements mean many work zones across the state. We can manage our work zones, but we need your help to keep work zones safe.

Thank you for driving smart.

• In 2007, 5 people were killed in work zones, which is a 74% decrease in deaths from 2006 when 19 people were killed. Thank you for driving smartly!
• There were approximately 800 people injured in 2007 work zones, compared to 1,190 in 2006. This is a decrease of more than 30%.
• Between 2002 and 2006, 113 people were killed and 6,582 people were injured in Missouri work zones.
• Since 2000, eight MoDOT employees have been killed in work zones.
• Inattention, exceeding the speed limit and following too closely are the leading causes of work-zone crashes.

The number one reason people die in traffic crashes in work zones and elsewhere is failure to wear safety belts. In 2007, of the 978 fatalities, 778 were occupant fatalities. Of the occupant fatalities, 67 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities were not wearing a seat belt.

 

Drive Smart in Work Zones to Arrive Alive

Here are some helpful tips:

• Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
• Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
• Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
• Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
• Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
• Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
• Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
• Be Nice! – Merge early, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.

1-888 ASK MODOT

(1-888 275 6636)

 

For more information on road work, you can also visit the Department of Tourism's Detours page.