Near Miss

Today I had a close call. On my drive to work, I needed to make a left turn. Before turning, I looked in both directions and saw that it was clear. But as I began to make my turn, I nearly ran into a motorcyclist coming from the right. Though the road had appeared clear of vehicles, I needed to look more closely.

As someone who promotes traffic safety, that's a bit embarrassing. I was shaken, but perhaps not nearly as much as the man on the motorcycle. It was a relief to know we could both head in our separate directions and go about our morning, but it certainly did drive home a valuable lesson.

Even when you've looked, look again.

And to the motorcyclist out there in Jefferson City this morning, I offer my sincere apology.

Motorcycle vs. Car

In a crash involving a car and a motorcycle, who do you think will win? Simple physics tells us the motorcycle will always lose. The freedom and wind-in-your-face feeling that most motorcyclists enjoy also comes with the responsibility of using extra caution so that riders do not end up as part of a tragic statistic.

Responsibility falls on motorists driving cars and trucks as well, who need to take care and watch out for the motorcyclists sharing the road. This is particularly important during this time of year, when the weather is warming up and more motorcyclists are taking to the roads.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and a good opportunity for us all to think about safe driving, whether on two wheels or four.

Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists complete training before getting out on the road. In Missouri, there are 26 locations for training, and you can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org.

And with motorcycle use growing throughout the state, it's even more important for cars to watch out and look twice for motorcyclists. Always make a visual check in mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

A Celebrated Beginning

Yesterday was a big day for bicyclists and pedestrians in central Missouri, and for tourists across the state.

The groundbreaking began for a new Missouri River Bridge attachment that will allow bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the Missouri River on the U.S. 54 eastbound/U.S. 63 northbound bridge, providing easier access to the popular Katy Trail from Jefferson City. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the 225-mile trail crossing the state from St. Charles to Clinton.

The bridge will now be safer for everyone, and will help promote the economy in Jefferson City. Those using the Katy Trail will be more likely to cross the river to enjoy the views and visit the state capital.

The new attachment will be eight feet wide and include two look out points with a view of the Missouri State Capitol Building. A ramp structure will be constructed on the north side of the river to allow access to the katy Trail via the Missouri Department of Conservation public fishing area. The project should take about one year to complete, so mark your calendars for a visit next summer.

Motorcycle Fatalities Decline in 2009

Motorcycle Safety Month is being ushered in with good news for the first time in more than a decade: motorcycle fatalities declined dramatically in 2009 in Missouri and nationwide.

Last year Missouri saw a 21.5 percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities while nationwide fatalities have declined by at least 10 percent.

In an effort to continue this decrease, Missouri is joining with federal, state and local highway safety, law enforcement and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May 2010 as motorcycle safety awareness month.

As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads. Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra attentive and make sure you share the road and everyone Arrives Alive.

In 2009, 85 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. Ten percent of Missouri’s 2009 fatalities involved a motorcycle, and 99 percent of the people who died in crashes involving a motorcycle on Missouri roads were the motorcyclist.

Watch out for motorcycles. They can be small and hard to see. Riders, do you part and wear a helmet and reflective gear. Look. Learn. Arrive Alive.

For more information about motorcycle safety, visit www.savemolives.com/ or the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program website at www.mmsp.org/.

No Substitute

Before heading to the next big game, make sure you buckle up. No Substitute!

Seventy Days of HEAT

The HEAT is on this summer and it won’t just be 90-degree August days. For the past four years, Missouri has recorded the highest number of fatal and serious injury crashes between July and September.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is partnering with law enforcement to take precautions to reverse this trend. Law enforcement agencies across Missouri will be using High Enforcement Action Teams to crackdown on impaired drivers and ticket speeding and unbuckled drivers and passengers.

In order for Missouri to reach the statewide goal of 850 or fewer fatalities by 2012, the spike in fatalities between July and September must be prevented.

Enforcement will be coupled with paid media in July and August.

We had a lot of fun - and a lot of heat - shooting the video spot for the campaign. Check it out.

Use Your Head

One of the reasons I'm proud to work at MoDOT is that I've seen first-hand the passion employees at all levels have for safety. Through work with the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, I've been privileged to witness this in multiple Missouri organizations, and it's staggering to realize how many individuals are truly dedicated to making sure you and your loved ones arrive home safely each night.

That passion could not be hidden at a news conference yesterday where our director released survey results showing Missourians support a mandatory helmet law by more than a 9-to-1 ratio. He urged Gov. Nixon to veto a recently passed bill from the Missouri legislature amending the state's all-rider helmet law, a law that has saved lives for longer than my own lifetime.

Director Rahn was joined by a trauma surgeon, a motorcycle crash survivor and a doctor who lost his father to a motorcycle crash. The video below shares their comments. I hope you'll take a moment and consider the consequences of repealing Missouri's current helmet law. No matter the outcome, maintain your own passion for safety -- buckle up in your car and wear your helmet if you ride.

Look Out! Top Ten Work Zones in Missouri

Just like Late Night With David Letterman, MoDOT has come up with a top 10 list of its own: the top 10 work zones most likely to cause traffic delays this travel season.

The list is ranked in order of impact based on traffic volume, amount of work and level of delay. A clickable map showing the top 10 work zones, along with a printable version of the map and project information, can be found at www.modot.org/.

Drive Smart and Slow Down in Work Zones!

MU Football Coach Gary Pinkel Promotes Motorcycle Safety Look. Learn. Arrive Alive.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- University of Missouri Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel will soon be seen on billboards and heard on the radio around the state promoting motorcycle safety. Sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, the "Look. Learn. Arrive Alive."

campaign begins in May, which is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Safety enthusiasts hope to drive home the message that all motorists need to share the road.

Motorcycles have a smaller profile on the road and may be more difficult for other vehicles to see. An astonishing 80 percent of Missouri motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, and 99 percent of the people who die in crashes involving a motorcycle on Missouri roads are the motorcyclist.

Paid radio advertising begins April 28 and runs into July. One radio spot features Coach Pinkel, an avid motorcycle rider. In the ad, Pinkel asks drivers to take another look and keep Missouri roads safe for everyone, "even Jayhawk fans."

Coach Pinkel is also featured on his motorcycle on posters and billboards throughout the state.
In addition to motorists looking out for those on motorcycles, motorcyclists are encouraged to do their part, making sure to ride with a DOT-approved helmet and wear protective clothing.

"It's important that everyone on Missouri roads look out for each other. With an increasing number of motorcyclists, we encourage drivers to have extra awareness and make sure everyone arrives alive," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Coalition.

For more information on the Look. Learn. Arrive Alive. campaign, including Coach Pinkel's radio spot and poster, visit http://www.savemolives.com/