2025 National Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off April 21

"Work With Us" to help protect motorists and workers in work zones

The 2025 National Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off April 21, and MoDOT is reminding motorists to “work with us” by making safe and responsible driving choices behind the wheel.

With a historic construction season ramping up in Missouri, these efforts are essential to protect motorists and workers inside the hundreds of work zones expected across the state.

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes. Distracted driving contributed to at least four of those fatalities as well as more than 350 work zone crashes overall. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the conditions remain the top contributors to work zone crashes.

It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over in work zones—it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching MoDOT vehicles, law enforcement vehicles and any other emergency vehicle with lights flashing. If drivers can’t change lanes safely, they must slow down as they pass emergency vehicles. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

Motorists can visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to find out the work zones they’ll encounter along the trip this construction season.

MoDOT hosts groundbreaking for Forward 44 project

Earlier this month, MoDOT joined with elected officials and planning and contracting partners to break ground on an Interstate 44 corridor improvement project in Springfield. This Forward 44 project is funded by General Revenue and will add a third lane of travel in each direction between Missouri Route 13 and U.S. Route 65 as well as other improvements.

Don't drive distracted this Easter. No egg-ceptions.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and law enforcement officers are out in full force to stop distracted drivers. Work Zone Awareness Week and increased traffic due to the Easter holiday are all the more reason for every-bunny to slow down and pay attention, especially in work zones. Your life and the lives of those around you depend on it.

If you feel different, you drive different

April 20 has been adopted by cannabis users, which makes it an important date for law enforcement. The 420 Drug-Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign runs through April 21. The sobering fact is that drug-impaired driving contributed to 7% of all 2023 Missouri traffic fatalities. Impaired driving doesn't only apply to alcohol. If you feel different, you drive different.

Highway Safety Project Spotlight: First Impact

First Impact is a free, 90-minute traffic safety program that runs statewide. Since Missouri doesn't require Driver Education classes, this program focuses on increasing awareness of teen driving risks, understanding Missouri’s Graduated Driver License law and ensuring parents understand the risks and responsibilities associated with their teens driving. Learn more.

www.modot.org

Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636

P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270