Sept. 21, 2023

 
Click the thumbnail to see this issue's MoDOT Minute video
Click the video above to get your Transportation News in a MoDOT Minute.

Day of Remembrance honors fallen MoDOT workers

Yearly event reminds public of the importance of work zone safety

On Sept. 21, MoDOT personnel gathered with the families of its fallen workers to honor and remember those 139 individuals who died in the line of duty. District and statewide officials spoke about the importance of roadway safety and the steps the organization is taking to help ensure there’s never another name added to that list.


MoDOT is emphasizing what drivers can do to prevent these work zone tragedies. In 2022, 15 people died and 95 were seriously injured in work zone crashes in Missouri. These injuries and fatalities are only a small portion of the nearly 3,600 work-zone-related crashes, an all-time high over the last five years.


It’s why MoDOT is asking drivers to work with us by slowing down and paying attention in work zones. The best way to avoid a crash is to stay alert.

  • Don’t drive distracted or impaired.
  • Don’t drive over the speed limit.
  • Follow posted signs for work zones and pay attention to road closures, lane closures and detours.
  • And remember, the best defense against injury or death in a crash is a seat belt.


In 2022, 71% of work zone fatalities were not wearing a seat belt.


Safety is MoDOT’s top priority, but that's only part of the equation.


Work zone safety is in the hands of all who drive through them. Buckle up and put the phone down while driving - these two simple things can save your life and the lives of those you share the road with. Learn more about Work Zone Awareness here.

Six more FARM bridge projects completed statewide

Five Northwest Missouri bridges and one Northeast Missouri bridge are now open following replacement through the Fixing Access to Rural Missouri Bridge program. The bridge in Warren County on Missouri Route 94 is the last FARM bridge to be completed in the Northeast District. The full list of bridges, including those already completed, can be found here.

2023 Highway Safety & Traffic Conference next week

Missouri's 2023 Highway Safety & Traffic Conference will be held Sept. 25-27 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia. It features a diverse agenda that addresses key safety topics, Show-Me Zero and a variety of traffic engineering topics. There will be local and national speakers discussing subject matter at multiple breakout sessions. Register here.

Highway Safety Spotlight: Child Passenger Safety

Child Passenger Safety is vitally important to protect our youth while traveling on our roadways. MoDOT’s Highway Safety division is able to purchase car seats using federal funding and distribute them to families that are not able to afford these seats for their children. Families must meet the Federal Poverty Level guidelines in order to receive a car seat. Learn more.

Today in Transportation History - Sept. 21, 1985

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: Victor Mendez began working for the Arizona Dept. of Transportation in 1985 and moved through the ranks to Director in 2001. He also served as AASHTO president from 2006-2007, where he focused on sharing innovations nationwide. He was appointed Deputy Secretary of USDOT in 2014 and retired in 2017. Learn more.

Statewide fatality totals reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol

as of Sept. 17, 2023

2023/679 2022/732 2021/733 2020/693 2019/610

Take the BUPD challenge


When you get into any vehicle,

buckle up your seat belt.

If you are in the driver's seat,

put your cellphone down.

Join the 38,259 people who have

taken the pledge so far.


CLICK HERE to accept the challenge!

www.modot.org
Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636
P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270