News & Resources

May 13, 2013

Law Enforcement Buckling Down on Those Not Buckling Up

Click It or Ticket - Day and Night

JEFFERSON CITY - As summer heats up, so does safety belt enforcement. Law enforcement officers are cracking down on unbelted drivers May 20-June 2 for an aggressive national "Click It or Ticket" campaign. 

Even with all the advancements in automobile safety and education on the importance of seat belt use, Missouri's seat belt use remains relatively unchanged at 79 percent, and consistently below the national average of 86 percent.

Through this campaign the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will remind Missourians to buckle up, day and night, through state and national advertisements. 

"Fifty-three percent of Missouri fatalities since the first of the year have been unbuckled vehicle occupants," said Colonel Ron Replogle, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Seat belts clearly save lives. But unfortunately, too many folks still need a tough reminder, so we will be out enforcing a zero tolerance on those not buckling up."

In 2012, 394 people killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a safety belt.  

Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities in a crash because it provides protection from being ejected and keeps motorists from smashing into windshields, dashboards and other passengers. When worn correctly, seat belts can reduce the risk of death for front seat occupants of passenger cars by 45 percent.

"You are gambling with your life each time you drive without a safety belt," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "Wearing a safety belt can save your life."

For more information about Click It or Ticket, visit http://www.savemolives.com/, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives. Arrive Alive.

April 30, 2013

Watch for Motorcycles - May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

JEFFERSON CITY -Motorcyclists and motorists are encouraged to safely "share the road" this May in observation of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. All motorists are reminded to watch for motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe, while motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.  There were 276 motorcyclists killed from 2010-2012.

"We're seeing more and more motorcycles on the highways," said Leanna Depue, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety's executive committee. "Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra attentive. A motorcycle is one of the smallest vehicles on our roads, often hidden in a vehicle's blind spot. Everyone needs to watch for motorcycles."

Very often, drivers of cars and trucks don't see motorcycles until the last second. And sometimes not at all. Motorcycle operators have to anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris.

"Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too," Depue says. "They should follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear."

Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. There are 29 training locations in Missouri. You can find the one nearest you at http://www.mmsp.org/.

For more information, visit http://www.savemolives.com/ or Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.  Arrive Alive.

April 23, 2013

Zero Tolerance, Zero Chances for Missouri Youth

JEFFERSON CITY - It's time to plan those annual high school prom and graduation parties.  Unfortunately, alcohol is often on the invite list as well. Missouri law enforcement want to make sure local youth are celebrating safe and sober, and will crack down on underage drunk driving May 2 - 13.

Youth make up a significant proportion of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. From 2010-2012, there were 65 fatal crashes and 236 disabling injury crashes involving an impaired driver under 21.

Missouri has a Zero Tolerance Law. Persons under 21 who are caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in their system are subject to jail time, loss of driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Other financial hits include higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs; and in some cases, even death.

"It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol in Missouri," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "Zero tolerance means zero chances."

Missouri Safe and Sober, sponsored in part by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to educating high school students on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, and preventing alcohol and drug related auto accidents. To date 152 Missouri high schools have participated and educated more than 76,000 students and their peers about the dangers of underage drinking and driving. To get your school involved in the next school year please visit http://www.missourisafeandsober.com/.

For more information, please visit http://www.savemolives.com/, or Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.         

March 11, 2013

Don't Rely on the Luck of the Irish This Holiday

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -As springtime greens up the landscape, and St. Patrick's Day greens up the beer, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists to designate a driver or call a cab to avoid driving impaired. Law enforcement is on the lookout for impaired drivers with targeted efforts March 14-17.

"Statewide, law enforcement made 583 DWI arrests during the impaired driving campaign in August and September of 2012," says Leanna Depue, executive chair of the coalition. "These numbers show that law enforcement is committed to enforcing Missouri laws."

Throughout March, safety advertising in restaurants and bars across Missouri will remind patrons that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.  St. Pat's themed posters, mirror clings and coasters serve as reminders of the importance of driving completely sober. Facebook fans can also pledge to drive sober, and try their luck at a photo caption contest to win gift cards.

There are no excuses for driving impaired. Drinking and driving is a lethal combination. If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of prison time, a $5000 fine, or both.  Don't risk it.

To learn more, visit the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety website at savemolives.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.

March 6, 2013

Seat Belts Just Don't Click With Teens

JEFFERSON CITY - Under Missouri's Graduated Driver License Law, seat belt use is required for young drivers.  It is a primary offense. Unfortunately 34 percent of Missouri teens don't buckle up. To lower that percentage, law enforcement will be out in full force March 15-31 to crack down on unbelted drivers and save lives.

One in four Missouri traffic crashes involves a young driver. Between 2010 and 2012, 243 teens (15-19) were killed in traffic crashes. Of those killed, 78 percent were unbuckled.

"Many drivers take the attitude that ‘it will never happen to me,' especially teens, but fatal crashes happen every day to all types of people," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.  "Law enforcement will ticket teens who aren't buckled up."

Missouri will also continue to educate teens on the importance of buckling up through statewide seat belt programs, such Battle of the Belt and Team Spirit.

"The best way to reach teens is through their peers," said Depue. "We're asking teens to help save the lives of their friends by reminding them to buckle up every time they get in a car."

For more information visit saveMOlives.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.  Buckle up and ARRIVE ALIVE.

November 27, 2012

Don't Drive if You're Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen

JEFFERSON CITY, MO –Calendars are quickly filling with festive social gatherings and parties. During this hustle and bustle time, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists designate a driver or call a cab and avoid driving impaired. Law enforcement is on the lookout for impaired drivers, with targeted enforcement efforts Dec. 10-16.

“Drinking and driving is never a good combination. It’s just not worth the risk,” says Leanna Depue, executive chair of the coalition. “If you’re going to drink, plan another way home before the celebration begins, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”

Throughout December, safety advertising in restaurants and bars will remind patrons to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Santa’s reindeer adorn restroom posters, mirror clings and drink coasters with a “Don’t Drive if You’re Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen” message. These lively little reindeer are a creative reminder of the importance of driving completely sober.

There are no excuses to drive impaired. The facts are known - drinking and driving is a lethal combination. The consequences can be fines, jail time, or even death. In December 2011, 67 people died and 456 were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes. Seventeen of those fatalities and 69 of serious injuries involved an impaired driver. 

To learn more, visit the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety website at savemolives.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.

November 15, 2012

Give Thanks for Safe Travels This Holiday

Motorists Urged to Travel Safely.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -The Thanksgiving holiday is usually one of travel and cheer. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous time on Missouri roads. During the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday there were 1372 traffic crashes, and four fatalities on Missouri's roadways.

"The sheer number of crashes, injuries and deaths during this holiday are startling enough, but worse yet, most of those deaths and injuries could have been prevented," said Leanna Depue, executive chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "With more people traveling, the possibility for traffic incidents increases, but there are many things motorists can do to keep themselves safer on the roads."

Before you head to Thanksgiving dinner, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety urges you to plan your safe travel ahead of time. With increased traffic and hurried travelers, safety needs to your top priority. You can make your holiday travel safer by following these tips:

•·       Plan your trip. MoDOT has expanded and upgraded its Traveler Information mobile app.  This app offers the latest information on Missouri road conditions, work zones, flooding and incidents for iPhones, Androids, iPads and tablets. 

•·       Buckle Up. The use of safety belts and child restraints is one of the best ways to prevent death and personal injury when involved in a traffic crash.

•·       Don't Drive Distracted. Concentrate only on your driving and pay close attention to motorists around you.

•·       Obey the laws of the road. Speeding is a contributing factor of the fatal and personal injury crashes during the holidays.

•·       Don't drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to drink, designate a driver, or call a cab.

For additional information on roadway safety, visit saveMOlives.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Arrive Alive.

October 31, 2012

Blueprint to Save More Lives Rolls out New Fatality Goal

JEFFERSON CITY - Focusing on fatality reduction, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety boldly rolled out a new goal of 700 or fewer fatalities by 2016 at the Blueprint to Save More Lives Conference held in Branson. In addition to the aggressive new goal, the group pledged to work toward an eventual goal of zero roadway deaths. 

"We've been very successful in meeting our goals since the inception of the coalition", said Leanna Depue, executive committee chair for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "We're all committed and we will work very hard toward the new goal."

Missouri is one of nine states able to boast of six straight years of declining fatality totals.  It is one of ten states that experienced more than a 35 percent reduction in fatalities between 2005 and 2011, and one of three states with more than 2,000 fewer traffic fatalities since 2005. Missouri is also the only state in the nation to have achieved all three of these accomplishments.

National keynote speakers engaged conference attendees with messages to educate and enlighten them on highway safety initiatives. Workshops offered included distracted driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, older drivers, commercial motor vehicles, motorcycle safety, pedestrians and young drivers.

Highway Safety Heroes were recognized with an awards luncheon which honored prestigious statewide and regional awards to those who have substantially advanced highway safety in Missouri.

Statewide award recipients were as follows:

•Lay Down the Law Award - Sgt. Dan Crain, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I, Rolla.
•Show-Me Safety Award - Dr. Lori Popejoy, University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia.
•Tempe Humphrey Award - Pamella Holt, Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
•Arrive Alive Award - Joe Rickman, MoDOT, Springfield.

Regional award recipients were as follows:

•Northwest Region Arrive Alive Award - Northwest Missouri Regional Road Safety Audit Program.
•Northwest Region Show-Me Safety Award - Richard Bradley, St. Joseph Police Department.
•Northeast Region Arrive Alive Award - Chief Ed Bogue, City of Palmyra Police Department.
•Northeast Region Show-Me Safety Award - Tana Akright, MoDOT.
•Kansas City Region Arrive Alive Award - William "Rusty" James, MoDOT.
•Kansas City Region Show-Me Safety Award - Think First of Greater Kansas City Young Traffic Offenders Program.
•Central Region Arrive Alive Award - Matt Myers, SAIC.
•Central Region Show-Me Safety Award - ThinkFirst Missouri.
•St. Louis Region Arrive Alive Award - Highway Safety Unit, St. Louis County Police Department.
•Southwest Region Arrive Alive Award - Peggy D. Davis, DWI Court Commissioner, Greene County.
•Southwest Region Show-Me Safety Award - Rollover Crash Display, Southwest Coalition Executive Team.
•Southeast Region Arrive Alive Award - Lt. John Davis, Cape Girardeau Police Department.
•Southeast Region Show-Me Safety Award - Courtnie Glenn, Wright County Health Department.

Historically, the Blueprint identified strategies having the greatest potential to save more lives and reduce serious injuries. In 2012, the strategies are known as the Necessary Nine. Aggressive implementation of the Necessary Nine represents the greatest opportunity to save more lives. By passing a primary safety belt law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 63 additional lives would be saved each year. Expanding the number of miles of shoulders with rumble stripes, as well as the number of curves with safety improvements, should also lead to more lives being saved.  

For more information on Missouri's Blueprint to SAVE MORE LIVES, go to saveMOlives.com. ARRIVE ALIVE.

For media questions, contact:

Kelly Martin

kelly.martin@modot.mo.gov

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saveMOlives

Twitter: @saveMOlives