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Don't turn Halloween trick or treat into tragedy
Sober driving is the safest way to get home
 A safe and sober ride after the party is the best treat you can give yourself and everyone else on the road this Halloween.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists that law enforcement will be out in full force cracking down on impaired drivers that haven't gotten the message to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
"Nationwide, Halloween is a particularly deadly holiday due to the high number of impaired drivers on the roads," said Bill Whitfield, executive committee chair for the coalition. "In 2015, two people died and three were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes over the Halloween holiday."
To avoid real-life Halloween horrors, remember the following:
- Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
- Always designate a sober driver.
- If you are impaired, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
- Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home, and wear clothing that makes it easy for drivers to see you in the dark.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
- If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take the keys and help them make safe travel arrangements.
With impaired driving, there's no trick and there's no treat. Whether you have had one too many or are way over the limit, impaired driving is not worth causing a traffic crash, serious injury or even death. Missouri law makes it clear that driving while impaired has scary consequences.
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The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that this time of year, deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists.
Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 3,732 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred.
One deer strike occurred every 2.4 hours in the state. In these crashes, there were three fatalities and 346 people were injured.
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Creating a winter car kit in the trunk of a car like above can be life-saving in an emergency. The kit should include items like a windshield scraper, small broom, flashlight, blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, water, jumper cables, flares, matches, shovel, sand or shingles for traction, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit and fluorescent distress flag. |
Be prepared for winter weather!
Important information from State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
In addition to cold temperatures and snow and ice, winter brings dangerous driving conditions and the potential for damaging and deadly storms. Severe winter storms can be extremely dangerous. Transportation can come to a standstill, and electricity can be out for days, often with very cold temperatures. Making preparations in advance of a storm can make getting through it easier.
According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, there were 15 cold weather-related deaths in Missouri during the winter of 2009-10. The National Weather Service, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, SEMA and Missouri's local emergency managers team up each fall to promote a day as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Missouri. The idea is to encourage Missourians to think about safety and the safety measures they can take in advance.
Visit SEMA's website to help you be prepared for many unexpected situations like winter weather, flooding and tornadoes - SEMA.
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 Transportation, it's personal
With a variety of attractions, Branson is one of the top tourist destinations in Missouri. In this personal story, Craig Richards, president and CEO of Central Bank of Branson, discusses the importance of having a sound transportation infrastructure when it comes to attracting business to Branson. Read More. |
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Statewide Highway Safety Award winners announced
Five highway safety statewide award winners and 13 regional award winners were given recognition at the 2016 Traffic Safety and Blueprint Conference recently held in Columbia. The conference is organized by the Missouri Coalition of
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Roger Mauzy, Sr. addresses attendees after receiving the statewide Arrive Alive Award.
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Roadway Safety, whose goal is to reduce fatalities and disabling injuries on Missouri roads. "We very much appreciate the efforts of all who are involved to encourage safe driving, and we will continue to work toward the ultimate goal of losing zero lives on Missouri roads," said Bill Whitfield, director of highway safety for the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The statewide Arrive Alive Award was presented to Roger Mauzy, Sr., former Warren County coroner and now presiding commissioner, for his efforts to have guard cable installed along Interstate 70 in the mid-2000's. The award recognizes an individual or group who has shown exemplary dedication and leadership in the field of highway safety. It is the highest award given by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
Prior to statewide concentrated efforts on reducing fatalities and disabling injuries, prior to the formation of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, there was someone who was already passionate about saving lives - especially in his "backyard." As Warren County coroner, Mauzy had seen too many crossover accidents on Interstate 70 in his county. His persistence to install guard cable along
I-70 medians became reality in 2002. As a result of his efforts, MoDOT believes there have been more than 300 lives saved since the final installation on all interstates.
Read More
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Arbor Day poster contest
The Missouri Community Forestry Council, Missouri Department of Conservation and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri are pleased to continue the great tradition of the annual sixth grade
Missouri Arbor Day Poster Contest.
To find out the details on how to enter and the numerous prizes art and science teachers and students could win, click here -
Poster Contest.
Deadline for entries is Dec. 3.
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Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636
P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270
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