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Males in pickup trucks at higher risk for traffic deaths
Did you know that most of the state’s traffic fatalities are men? That deadly statistic can be attributed to a lack of seat belt use, particularly among young male pickup truck drivers.

Preliminary 2020 data shows that male drivers account for 77% of the pickup truck fatalities so far this year – 83% percent of those male pickup truck drivers killed were unbuckled.

MoDOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety are stepping up efforts to reach males and those driving pickup trucks with this potentially life-saving information.

Already this year, there have been 717 traffic fatalities - that’s 76 more lives lost compared to the same time last year. Unfortunately, 68% of those were unbuckled. If everyone involved in these crashes had been buckled, more than 180 people who were killed might still be alive today. Read more.

A new video hopes to encourage pickup truck drivers to buckle up - https://youtu.be/obmulMOYK6g.

MoDOT and the Coalition continue to promote the state’s Buckle Up Phone Down safety initiative, which tackles two of the most effective actions drivers can take to stay safe when getting behind the wheel – fastening their seatbelts and putting down their cell phones. This year’s annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day will be held on October 16.
Speed limit campaign
As you venture out this autumn, please be mindful of your speed. A statewide enforcement campaign will run this month. Law enforcement will be actively enforcing Missouri’s speed limit laws and reminding drivers of the increased risks associated with higher speeds. Read more.
I-435 / I-70 interchange opened ahead of schedule
Kansas City's first partial turbine interchange is complete. It's the first of its kind in the Kansas City area and will enhance safety within the interchange and help to move the thousands of vehicles that travel it daily. Construction was scheduled for completion in December. Read more.
New commissioner named
Gov. Mike Parson appointed W. Dustin Boatwright to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on Oct. 1. He fills the vacancy that has existed since March when Mike Pace resigned after serving just over five years. His appointment runs through March 1, 2025. Read more.
Share the road this harvest season
This is the time of year to be on the lookout for slow-moving farm vehicles. Please remember that farmers are just doing their jobs moving equipment from field to field. It’s important to be patient and drive carefully around farm vehicles. Read more.
Public involvement guidance
MoDOT has released a draft of its updated public involvement guidance and policies. The document will be available for review and comment through Oct. 31, 2020. Once finalized, it will become part of MoDOT's Engineering Policy Guide. Read more.

Take the challenge
When you get into any vehicle, buckle up your seat belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Join the 13,371 who have taken the pledge so far.
Missouri Dept. of Transportation | (888) 275-6636
P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270