More buffer truck crashes than ever before… Dozens of work-zone fatalities… This is how Missouri will remember its 2020 construction season. And that’s why the Missouri Department of Transportation is strongly urging drivers to help turn the tide in 2021. Motorists are urged to make smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week April 26-30.

In 2020, MoDOT protective vehicles with truck/trailer-mounted attenuators (TMAs) were struck an unprecedented 48 times. Jack Kirtlink, a maintenance worker in MoDOT’s Northeast District, was just one of dozens of MoDOT employees hit while driving these protective vehicles in 2020. Despite signage and flashing lights, a motorist crashed into his equipment at 70 mph, and the TMA ended up underneath the driver’s truck.

Since 2018, TMA crashes have resulted in 32 injuries and one fatality. These crashes are almost always the result of a driver not paying attention and/or driving too fast for conditions.

Drivers are urged to always buckle up and put the phone down.

In 2020, 74 percent of vehicle-occupant fatalities in work zones were not wearing a seat belt. Distracted driving remains a leading contributor to work-zone crashes. Speeding also is a growing concern in work zones.

MoDOT is partnering with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for ‘Operation Protect’ to actively enforce speed limits in some of the state’s top work zones throughout the construction season.

Missouri’s new strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero provides information for all Missourians to help promote four key messages: buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com.