NEWS RELEASE


For further information please contact: Captain C.T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115

Q01062

January 24, 2006


EMPHASIS: Patrol Reminds Motorists: Be Attentive In Highway Work Zones!



Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists of the Patrol’s dedication to highway work zone safety. An increased presence and enforcement activities of troopers will become evident throughout the year.


This winter’s mild temperatures and dry weather conditions have been very conducive to road construction and maintenance. Therefore, highway work zones have been wide spread this winter season and will increase during the upcoming spring and summer months. In the ongoing effort of highway safety motorists will notice an increased presence of troopers in highway work zones beginning immediately and continuing throughout the year. Troopers will be enforcing the reduced highway work zone speed limits, and other laws requiring special lane use and prohibited passing zones within those work zones.


In 2004, a total of 28 people were killed and 1,167 were injured in traffic crashes involving construction or other work zones. “These needless deaths could have been avoided,” said Colonel Stottlemyre. “Exceeding the speed limit and driver inattention were listed as the top two contributing circumstances for these work zone crashes.” Motorists are reminded to follow the directions of flagmen, reduced speed limit signs, and any other special direction signs for a work zone. “It is our intent to reduce the number of highway work zone crashes by increasing the Patrol’s presence in these areas,” said Colonel Stottlemyre.


Motorists can check current road construction/work zone areas by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT or by visiting the Missouri Department of Transportation website (www.modot.gov).