Drive Carefully During The Busy Holiday Travel Season

The Fourth of July is the pinnacle of the summer travel season and the height of highway construction as well. As you head out in July, the Missouri Department of Transportation urges you to slow down, buckle up and ARRIVE ALIVE.

“The deadliest days of the year in terms of traffic crashes are the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. “So many of the deaths are preventable, though, just by monitoring your speed, wearing a seat belt and watching out for workers and other drivers.”

Last year over the Independence Day holiday in Missouri, 12 people were killed and 840 were injured. Ten of the 12 killed were not wearing a seat belt. Over the past five years, 132 people have been killed and 7,210 injured in traffic crashes in the first week of July.  Of the 132 people killed, 36 were in alcohol-related crashes.

Although highway workers will not be working over the holiday, it’s still important to watch for narrow or closed lanes and reduced speed limits in work zones.

This holiday, Drive Smart to Arrive Alive:

• 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 the weather conditions.
• Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
• Be Nice! – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.

Be prepared this holiday and check out major construction projects in advance on www.modot.org or by calling MoDOT’s customer service centers at 1-888- ASK MODOT (275-6636).