The Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to “work with us” by making safe and responsible choices behind the wheel as another record-breaking construction season ramps up across Missouri. The department is also recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24.

In 2025, 24 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes. Distracted driving contributed to at least 11 of those fatalities as well as more than 400 work zone crashes overall. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the conditions remain the top contributors to work zone crashes.

MoDOT reminds drivers that Missouri’s Move Over law requires them to change lanes, when safe, as they approach state vehicles, law enforcement, or any emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must slow down when passing. Motorists should stay alert to changing traffic conditions, follow posted warnings, and merge well before reaching lane closures.

While overall traffic fatalities in Missouri have decreased each of the past three years, the number of work zone fatalities remained the same, and the number of MoDOT vehicles that were struck increased in 2025.

Drivers can visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to find out what work zones they’ll encounter along their trips this construction season.