MoDOT is urging motorists to buckle up and put their phone down when driving, particularly through work zones.
Over the next few years, drivers will see more work zones along I-44 between Webster County and the state line at Oklahoma, as MoDOT works to maintain portions of the roadway and several bridges in the district.
Many of these work zones require workers to be close to the driving lanes, and at times will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction. These circumstances require drivers to remain attentive throughout their journey for the safety of everyone on the roads.
“Unfortunately, we see many incidents across the state, and particularly in work zones, where drivers simply have not paid attention to signs indicating work zones, reduced speeds, reduced lanes or stopped traffic ahead,” said Travis Koestner, MoDOT District Engineer.
As an example, the current work zones on I-44 for bridge and pavement maintenance include Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) between the Missouri/Oklahoma state line and Springfield in both directions to warn drivers of the work zones, stopped traffic and encourage alternate routes. In addition, there are also multiple portable Changeable Message Signs (CMS) within the work zones to alert drivers of current conditions in the work zones. MoDOT Emergency Response crews and Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D officers are stationed in and near the work zones to raise awareness and respond to incidents in the area quickly.
Despite these efforts, many drivers miss these warnings due to distracted driving. This puts all motorists, as well as our MoDOT workers and contractors in danger. MoDOT urges everyone to buckle up and put the phone down, before you start your journey. Drivers can also help by switching on their hazard lights when approaching and sitting in stopped traffic to help alert drivers behind them.
Details of MoDOT’s work zones can be found on our Traveler Information Map at: http://traveler.modot.org/map/
MoDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge Day will be held on October 19, and details of the campaign are available at: http://www2.modot.org/BuckleUpPhoneDown
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