This weekend marks the start of a busy travel season and a historically deadly time on the nation’s roadways. And with construction season in full swing, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to stay alert this summer.

According to MoDOT, during last year’s “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” which spans the summer travel season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 333 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes.

Distracted driving, excessive speed and following too closely were three of the main causes of crashes, particularly in and around work zones.

“With more places to be, more people on the roads and more construction work across the state, it’s crucial to stay alert behind the wheel,” MoDOT’s chief safety and operations officer Becky Allmeroth said. “Whether you’re sharing the road with motorcyclists, driving around city streets with pedestrians in the area, or traveling through a work zone, slowing down and paying attention can save lives, including your own.”

With the heavy holiday weekend traffic, MoDOT will suspend work zones with routine lane closures beginning at noon on Friday, May 27, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, but major work zones with permanent lane closures will remain in place. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to warning signs, obey the speed limit and put their phones down.

MoDOT advises motorists to plan ahead by using the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, which provides the latest road conditions, including closures, work zones and incidents.