HANNIBAL – In an effort to bring more awareness to moving traffic on U.S. Route 63, the Missouri Department of Transportation will install interactive flashing lights and signs that will alert motorists on U.S. 63 of cars at two intersections. “The flashers will be installed on U.S. 63 on either side of the intersections of Illinois Street and East Shepherd Street,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Amy Crawford. In addition, these same type of interactive signs will be installed on the same side streets to give advance warning to drivers sitting at these intersections of oncoming traffic on U.S. 63. According to Crawford, detectors are being installed in the pavement and will be activated by the presence of a vehicle.
“The interactive flashers are intended to catch the attention of those who otherwise may ignore a light that is constantly flashing,” Crawford said. “When a vehicle is present or approaching either on the intersection or on the highway, the beacon will flash over a sign cautioning about traffic,” she further explained.
The majority of all accidents that have occurred in these areas have been the result of driver error. “We will continue to monitor the area and identify areas of opportunities for safety improvements, yet the bottom line is drivers need to pay attention to the task at hand, which is driving,” she noted. Distraction or inattention has now become the number one cause of crashes in the nation, and Missouri is no different. “As a driver, there is a 100% guarantee you will be involved in a crash in your lifetime, and the number one thing you can do to increase your chances of survival is wearing a seat belt,” she added.
The flashing signs will be installed over the next few weeks.
Photo attached: (top) Signs on US 63 will be similar to this one; (bottom) Sign across the road while sitting at the stop signs will look like this one.
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