The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week during April 20-24 and urging drivers to exercise caution and help protect both motorists and construction workers in work zones.
“Our workers and contractors put considerable effort into establishing safe work zones,” stated Tom Blair, MoDOT area engineer for the St. Louis region. “However, we cannot accomplish this alone. We require everyone’s cooperation. Both your safety and the safety of roadway workers depend on your attentiveness as a driver.”
According to MoDOT, distracted driving and excessive speed remain the leading causes of work zone accidents.
MoDOT reports that 24 individuals lost their lives in Missouri work zone crashes during 2025, with distracted driving playing a role in at least 11 fatalities and approximately 400 work zone crashes statewide.
During 2025, MoDOT’s safety vehicles were hit 50 times by drivers—a significant increase from just 16 incidents in 2024. Although these vehicles successfully shielded roadway workers from being struck, MoDOT officials emphasized the importance of driver vigilance.
“These protective vehicles often serve as the only barrier protecting highway workers from careless drivers, and being struck 50 times is a stark reminder of how vital it is for drivers to stay focused and respect ongoing construction,” explained MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson.
According to Blair, these large, brightly colored yellow vehicles feature flashing lights to warn drivers, yet distracted motorists frequently fail to notice them until it is too late to decelerate and change lanes as required by Missouri law.
A 2019 state law permits the Missouri Department of Revenue to suspend the driver’s license of anyone who strikes a highway or utility worker in a work zone.
Furthermore, a new Missouri law effective in 2025 made holding or supporting a cell phone while operating a vehicle unlawful, making texting while driving prohibited.
“Reading a text takes only seconds, but during those moments, you will have traveled the length of a football field or more essentially without sight. This constitutes extremely risky behavior,” Blair explained.
As MoDOT prepares for what officials characterize as a record construction season, safety reminders are especially timely, with more than 1,000 active work zones anticipated statewide and over 100 projects already underway or commencing this year in the St. Louis region.
Work zone activities vary significantly, ranging from small crews performing cleanup work to large teams conducting pavement repairs—but driver attention is critical for all active work zones.
“We need your cooperation. Every driver out there plays an essential role in work zone safety. Please reduce your speed, fasten your seatbelt, minimize distractions, and remain vigilant,” Blair urged. “Your focus behind the wheel is essential to ensuring everyone reaches home safely.”
