December 20, 2018
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Driving impaired affects lives
Joplin police officer promotes sober driving 

Officer Jared Swann of the Joplin Police Department works hard to keep impaired drivers off of Missouri's roadways. Not only is this his job, but it's his way of helping to prevent families like his own from suffering from an impaired driving crash. Swann's brother was disabled in 1999 when a vehicle he was driving was hit by an impaired driver. A passenger in his brother's car was killed.



This holiday season, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be promoting Swann's story in statewide public service announcements reminding motorists of the consequences of driving impaired and urging those who plan to celebrate to designate a sober driver or call a cab. Statewide, law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers with targeted enforcement efforts Dec. 14 - Jan. 1.

There were 53 people killed and 267 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between December 10, 2017 and January 1, 2018. Eleven of the fatalities and 33 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver.

"We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season," said Jon Nelson, executive chair of the coalition. "So we are making a special effort to reach motorists with reminders to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home."

These crashes are clearly preventable. Impaired driving is a crime, not an "accident," and is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. There are no excuses to drive impaired. The facts are known - drinking and driving can be a lethal combination. The consequences are fines, jail time or even death. Enforcement will be out in full force this holiday season. If you choose to drive impaired, you will be arrested.

To learn more, visit savemolives.com, or find them on social media at Save MO Lives, #DriveSoberMO.
Take the challenge: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your seat belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Join the 5,840 individuals and 440 businesses who have joined the movement so far.

Click below to accept the challenge!


Social Media
Did You Know This?
Outdoor advertising

MoDOT regulates off-premise advertising located on private property along controlled travelways . Off-premise advertising is any outdoor sign, display, device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard or other item designed , intended or used to advertise or inform any part of the advertising or contents. We do not regulate signs that are located on the premises they advertise.

If you have questions about outdoor advertising, visit MoDOT's website for more information - outdoor advertising.


Have You Seen This?
MoDOT Fast Facts

State Facts
  • Missouri population - 6,114,000
  • Land area in square miles - 69,704
  • Licensed drivers - 4.2 million
  • Registered vehicles - 5.4 million
Federal Fuel Tax
  • 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline
  • 24.2 cents per gallon on diesel
Missouri Fuel Tax
  • 17 cents per gallon - gasoline and diesel
  • 2.55 cents goes to cities
  • 2 cents goes to counties
  • 12.45 cents goes to MoDOT
  • Each cent per gallon of fuel tax results in $28 million for MoDOT and $12 million for cities and counties
  • Missouri ranks 48th nationally in revenue per mile
  • Missouri ranks 3rd nationally in lowest administrative cost per mile
Want more facts? Click here - MoDOT fast facts.

Photo from Wikipedia.
This day in transportation history

Dec. 20, 1883 - An international cantilever railway bridge was officially opened at Niagara Falls. The Michigan Central Railway Cantilever Bridge remained in service for about four decades before being replaced by the current steel arch bridge.
Safer Roadways
Law Enforcement Liaison Mike Davis (left) and Law Enforcement Program Manager Scott Wilson were honored as Heroes of the Heartland at a recent MADD ceremony.
MoDOT employees honored

Two MoDOT employees were recently honored at the Mother's Against Drunk Driving Hero of the Heartland Awards in Kansas City. Scott Wilson is a law enforcement program manager for the Highway Safety and Traffic Division, and Mike Davis supports the division's efforts in his role as a law enforcement liaison for the Kansas City and Northwest regions. 

The Hero of the Heartland Awards were given by MADD to individuals who exemplified outstanding efforts in the enforcement of impaired driving, significantly reducing the number of alcohol or drug-related deaths and injuries. 
Fatality update
Did you know... As the new year approaches and folks make resolutions for change, what a great time to make a life-saving promise to buckle up and put your phone down!  

Let's all encourage or challenge a friend, neighbor, co-worker or stranger to make a change and BUPD.

Through education and communication, we can decrease fatalities. As of this month, we have 440 businesses and over 5,800 individuals who have already chosen to take the challenge and be the change!  

Statewide Fatality Totals  
as reported on the 
Missouri State Highway Patrol 
website as of Dec. 16, 2018: 

2018 Totals as of 12-16-18 - 871
2017 Totals as of 12-16-17 - 896
2016 Totals as of 12-16-16 - 920
2015 Totals as of 12-16-15 - 849
2014 Totals as of 12-16-14 - 731
 2013 Totals as of 12-16-13 - 732 
Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636
P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270