Remember, Safety First!!

Posted by Nancy Powell
Traffic Management Center Supervisor

July 1, 2010

As the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches, thoughts turn to festive celebrations with family and friends. For those of us in public safety and transportation sectors, we view the weekend with an eye on increased numbers of vehicles travelling the interstates. Remember to buckle up! It's a simple act that saves lives. If your celebration includes alcohol, be mindful that drinking and driving can have deadly consequences. Designate a sober driver. Everyone will thank you! If you don't drink, offer to provide transportation so that your friends and loved ones aren't tempted to get behind the wheel impaired.

Many area communities and venues have planned elaborate fireworks displays for your entertainment. Each year we see vehicles line up along the shoulder of the interstate after dark to watch the show in the sky, only to pose a serious hazard for themselves and others. "Watch out for the other guy" is always good advice. It applies equally well to the many motorcyclists with whom we share our highways. Please don't text and drive. Inattention is right up there with speeding and failing to yield right-of-way as a primary cause of traffic accidents.

Hopefully we'll have beautiful summer skies this weekend, but if Mother Nature showers us with rainfall, then remember to use your headlights whenever your wipers are on…it's the law. If you need emergency assistance, pull to the right shoulder if at all possible and turn on your hazard lights. Dial *55 for Missouri Highway Patrol or *47 for Kansas Highway Patrol. It's always best to remain in your vehicle until help arrives.

If you plan to travel between Kansas City and St. Louis on I-70, take note of the Electronic Message Boards along the way. The information they provide is for your benefit. We take our jobs seriously at KC Scout and helping you stay informed is just one of the many services we provide.

Whatever the message…Move over for emergency vehicles…stay to the right unless passing…click it or ticket…you drink/you drive/you lose…they come to you with our wishes for a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend!