We see the orange barrels and cones throughout the year both locally and statewide but it's about that time of the year when road construction ramps up in the warmer months in the Show-Me State.

Work Zone Awareness Week is April 26-30. So it's underway in the state and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) wants to remind you to drive slower and use more caution in construction zones. Motorists are urged to make smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel.

In 2020, MoDOT tractor /trailer attenuators were hit 48 times. The attenuators are devices that help as a cushion, intended to reduce the damage to structures, vehicles, and motorists resulting from a vehicle collision.

According to a press release, "Motorists can expect to see more MoDOT maintenance work zones this spring as crews are continuing to repair potholes and perform other road work."

The big factor of fatality crashes in the work zones is drivers and/or passengers not wearing their seatbelts when traveling in the construction areas. According the the Missouri Department of Transportation, 74 percent of fatalities were due to not being buckled up.

According to State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood:

“Last year, 27 lives were lost in work zone crashes. It’s on all of us to step up and make smart choices behind the wheel.”

Another factor of concern is speeding 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.

So slow down, wear your seatbelts and be alert as you travel the Missouri roads and highways this Spring.

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