For more information, contact MoDOT Customer Relations, 573-751-2840.
High Traffic Volumes Expected for Labor Day Weekend
Motorists Advised to Check MoDOT Traveler Map Before Heading Out
JEFFERSON CITY –Missourians are preparing to celebrate the last holiday of summer, Labor Day. Typically, this weekend sees heavy volumes on Missouri’s roads as many people will be taking one last summer trip.
It’s important to remember the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of construction season. The Missouri Department of Transportation continues to have work zones around the state making improvements and repairs to the transportation system. The majority of construction work zones will not be in place from noon Friday, August 29 until mid-morning Tuesday, September 2. However, some work zones have lanes closed all the time that are unable to be reopened for the holiday weekend.
Driver behavior is the key to safe driving in work zones and on busy highways.
· Wear your seatbelt. During the Labor Day holiday in 2013, there were eight fatalities in crashes on Missouri roadways and two of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt.
· Don’t Text and Drive. Distracted driving is a top cause of crashes. Put down your phone and focus on your driving.
· Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance. Remember to leave at least two seconds of braking distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
· Slow Down for Work Zones. Lanes may be reduced or shifted. By slowing down you will be more prepared to adjust to the changing conditions and potential delays from reduced lanes.
Before you head out this holiday weekend, visit MoDOT’s traveler information map at www.modot.org to get the latest information on current projects that may affect your travel plans. The map also provides real-time information regarding incidents on major roads that include lane closures. The MoDOT traveler information map can also be downloaded as an app to your phone. MoDOT’s 24/7 customer service is also available to provide information on road conditions at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
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Linda Wilson Horn
Customer Relations Coordinator
Missouri Department of Transportation
314-453-5063
www.modot.org
