As the halfway point of the "100 Deadliest Days" between Memorial Day and Labor Day approaches, MoDOT wants to remind motorists to be mindful of safety every trip, every time.
Motorcycle fatalities are climbing in Missouri. So far this year, there have been 65 motorcyclists fatalities - an increase of 25% from this time in 2020. Thirty-five of these motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet. There were only two such fatalities at this point last year.
Missouri law requires riders under the age of 26 or anyone operating under an instruction permit to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. However, all motorcyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet to be as safe as possible.
Motorcyclists should also commit to operating at appropriate speeds and never operating their bike while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Other motorists can help improve the safety of motorcyclists by paying attention and looking twice for motorcycles, as they are more susceptible to being hidden in a vehicle's blind spots or simply being overlooked. Always allow motorcyclists a full lane width.
Overall, there have been nearly 500 fatalities on Missouri roadways this year. MoDOT wants to remind all road users to take these simple steps to help keep you and your passengers safe: wear a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet, put your cellphone down and never drive impaired.
Learn more about how you can help by checking out Missouri's
Show-Me Zero plan at
www.savemolives.com.
