Express Lane - Travelers reminded to practice safe, responsible driving behavior this Thanksgiving

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Give thanks by getting home safely to your loved ones

Buckle up, obey traffic laws and plan ahead for a sober ride

Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to reflect on what you're thankful for. Family, friends and a cozy blanket to stay warm are probably at the top of your list, but have you thought about adding "safe drivers" to it?

During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 11 people were killed and 64 were seriously injured in traffic crashes. This year, MoDOT is once again working with law enforcement and safety partners to Show-Me Zero traffic fatalities through public awareness, increased enforcement and the promotion of sober ride options.

With the number of statewide traffic fatalities already exceeding 800 for the year, MoDOT is urging motorists to be vigilant, buckle up, obey posted speed limits and never drive impaired or distracted.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019-2023, 868 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it one of the deadliest holidays on the nation’s roadways. Fatal crashes are almost always preventable, especially when everyone is practicing safe driving behavior to protect themselves and each other on the roadways:

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
Drivers should always put down their phone, follow posted speed limits and never drive impaired.
If holiday festivities include alcohol, plan to schedule a rideshare in advance, have a sober friend available for a ride or use public transportation.
If you see a friend who is about to drink and drive, take their keys and find a sober driver who can get them home safely.

With significant roadway improvements still in progress across the state and inclement weather on the horizon, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead by using MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for road conditions and travel delays. There's still time to end 2025 with another year of declining traffic fatalities, but it requires everyone to do their part toward enjoying a Thanksgiving holiday, and beyond, with zero traffic fatalities.

New video from Improve I-70 KC team details end of Phase 1

The Improve I-70 Kansas City Design Build project will end the year by wrapping up the first phase of the project and starting work on Phase 2, which began by demolishing the bridges at Lister Avenue and Oakley Avenue. Still to come in Phase 1 is finishing construction of new bridges and pavement at Benton Boulevard and 23rd Street, among other improvements. Learn about these project milestones and more in the Improve I-70 KC Fall Update video.

Navigating the topic of safe driving with Aging Road Users

From a parent disciplining their child to a supervisor sharing constructive feedback, hard conversations are a part of life. One hard conversation is telling an aging loved one it's no longer safe to drive. Vision and hearing issues, medications, slowed reaction times and more can make driving unsafe for everyone on the road. Navigating the loss of independence is tough, but if you see these signs, talk to them about retiring the car keys. Learn more.

Highway Safety Spotlight - Car Seat Inspection Stations

State law sets car seat requirements for children up to 8 years old, but some families might not have the means to maintain proper child passenger safety options. Twice a year, MoDOT's Highway Safety and Traffic Division purchases car seats for registered car seat inspection stations to distribute to families in need. In 2025, MoDOT provided over 3,500 car seats to approximately 170 inspection stations throughout Missouri. Learn more.

Today in Transportation - Ace pilot saves 1931 Thanksgiving parade

Clarence Chamberlin, one of the world's greatest aviators, made headlines at the 1931 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Back then, the large helium balloons were released after the parade, with $25 rewards offered for their capture. Multiple planes were ready to collect, but two balloons drifted out of reach. Chamberlin, who was giving public plane rides in the area, detoured to grab the remaining balloons as his passengers cheered him on. Learn more.