As Missouri prepares for its busiest construction season in history, the Missouri Department of Transportation is launching a renewed push for driver safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25. With 800 to 1,000 active work zones expected on any given day, MoDOT is asking motorists to “work with us” by staying alert, slowing down, and making responsible choices behind the wheel.
In 2024, 23 people lost their lives in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to more than 350 crashes and four fatalities. MoDOT officials stress that distraction and excessive speed continue to be the leading causes of these incidents. Missouri’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes—or slow down if a lane change isn’t safe—when approaching emergency or MoDOT vehicles with flashing lights. Drivers are also urged to merge early, watch for signage, and stay alert for sudden changes in traffic.
MoDOT also highlighted early progress from Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which prohibits handheld cell phone use while driving. Since its passage, work zone vehicle strikes have been cut nearly in half.
For real-time updates on construction and traffic, drivers can visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org.
