JEFFERSON CITY — In 2023, 35 fatalities occurred in work zone crashes, the highest number of work zone fatalities in Missouri history. Distracted driving contributed to 588 work zone crashes and five of those fatalities.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, with National Work Zone Awareness Week occurring this week through Friday, April 19. MoDOT is asking motorists to “Work With Us” by making safe, responsible choices behind the wheel and slowing down when driving through work zones.

Using a cell phone while driving is now against the law in Missouri. The Siddens Bening hands free law, which took effect last August, prohibits drivers from physically holding or supporting a cell phone while driving; this includes sending or receiving texts and recording or watching videos. Drivers can face criminal charges for crashes that result in property damage, injury or death.

“Your decisions as a driver can make the difference between arriving safely or having deadly consequences,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “Any time you pass workers on the roadway, remember that buckling up, leaving your phone at your side, slowing down and staying alert are the key behaviors to get everyone home safe every day.”

It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones — it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching MoDOT vehicles, law enforcement vehicles and any other emergency vehicle with lights flashing. If drivers can’t change lanes safely, they must slow down as they pass the emergency vehicles. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

In 2023 alone, MoDOT work zone vehicles with truck mounted attenuators were struck 63 times, an increase of 27 from the previous year. These crashes are almost always a result of drivers being distracted behind the wheel and/or driving too fast for the conditions.

“These protective vehicles are the only thing between our workers making road improvements or repairs and the traveling public. Keeping everyone safe is our number one priority,” said MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood. “When you see flashing lights and arrows, pay attention, slow down and move over.”

At its core, the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative is about prioritizing personal safety.  Forty-five percent of those killed in work zone crashes last year were not wearing a seat belt and the overall unbelted fatality rate so far in 2024 is the highest recorded in recent years. Everyone carries the responsibility of personal safety. Wear your seat belt, put the phone down and help save lives on Missouri roadways.