ST. LOUIS -This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, when departments of transportation highlight the upcoming construction season, and encourage drivers to watch out while traveling for short- and long-duration work zones.
2022 will be a busy construction season for the department in the St. Louis area, with work on most interstates and many major arterial routes. You can see specifics and maps of work in the city of St. Louis and St. Charles, St. Louis, Franklin and Jefferson counties here: https://www.modot.org/2022-construction-st-louis.
Crashes with protective vehicles increased yet again in 2021, accompanied by 17 work zone fatalities. These numbers make Missouri’s 2021 construction season one that will be unfortunately remembered. Crashes and fatalities should not be happening in work zones. The Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to help reverse the trend in 2022. Motorists are urged to make smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15, and every day.
In 2021, MoDOT protective vehicles were struck an unprecedented 61 times. “Any time you pass highway workers on a Missouri roadway – whether it’s a long-term lane closure, a moving operation or shoulder work – your safety and the safety of those workers depend on your focus and attention,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “Buckle up, put your phone down, slow down and stay alert. Lives are at stake in work zones.”
From 2018 to 2021, these protective vehicles crashes have resulted in 37 injuries and two fatalities. These crashes are almost always a result of drivers being distracted behind the wheel and/or driving too fast for the conditions.
It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones—it’s the law. Be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.
To help make your travel safer, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org and find out what work zones you’ll encounter before you go. Be sure to do your part to save lives in those work zones. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides information for all Missourians to help promote four key messages: buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com.
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