In order to prepare for increased motor traffic during the summer months, the state of Missouri has already started increasing levels of construction and maintenance road work.
There are several important traffic laws to reiterate to drivers to keep everyone safe during this construction season.
Making Merging Move Faster
Merging lanes of traffic on a highway or interstate can be very frustrating for drivers, especially during rush hours and in dense traffic areas. The best way to merge when the roadways are not busy is to merge into the open lane as soon as warning signs start to appear. However, in very congested traffic areas, it is much more efficient to merge in a zipper form at the destination of the merge area in order to reduce traffic build up.
Endangering a Highway Worker
The Highway Work Zone Law was implemented to regulate the crime of endangering a highway worker. If any person creates an offense that endangers a highway worker, but does not injure or take the life of the worker, a maximum fine of $1,000 and four points will be added to the driver’s license.
If the highway worker is injured, the offender shall be fined a maximum of $5,000 and have 12 points assessed to his or her license. However, if the offender takes the life of the highway worker, the offender shall be fined a maximum of $10,000 and have 12 points assessed to his or her license.
Fines and Penalties
The Highway Work Zone Law also increased several of the most recurring offenses’ penalties in order to help protect highway workers. The law states that a person who is convicted more than once with a moving violation will be subject to a penalty of $75.
In addition, the law states that a fine of $300 can be assessed to any person with multiple charges of speeding or passing of another vehicle in any work zone with a worker present (http://www.modot.org/workzones/).
The 2012 “Move Over” law
In 2012, Missouri implemented a law that requires motorists to slow down or move into the other lane when coming upon any sort of parked emergency, law enforcement, or Missouri Department of Transportation vehicle.
This law helps protect both the workers in the parked vehicles as well as the people driving by as it significantly decreases the risk of an accident occurring.
Following these traffic laws and making sure to pay attention in work zones can help make the roads safer for everyone during this construction season.
