Missouri campaign to encourage safe driving

The Missouri Dept. of Transportation has launched a Big Trucks Campaign, which will run until May 6. The campaign is designed to remind all motorists to drive safely around commercial motor vehicles. In turn, the MoDOT program aims to remind truck drivers to obey traffic laws, use their seat belts, slow down and pay attention, according to a report in the Waynesville Daily Guide.

Some reminders MoDOT said it hopes to reinforce to motorists about sharing the road with big rigs include:

• Don’t cut off large trucks or buses.  Make sure you can see the top of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror before moving back into your original lane.
• Stay out of a truck’s blind spots or “No Zone.” Big rigs have large blind spots on either side and up to 200 feet behind a vehicle. Pass only on the left side.
• Watch your following distance.  Keep a safety cushion around trucks. Can you see the truck’s side mirrors?  If not, the driver cannot see you.

The MoDOT campaign will also focus on the importance of wearing seat belts for all motorists, especially truckers. Seatbelt use reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45%, MoDOT said, and reminds motorists that they are required by state law to wear their seat belt. “Failure to do so can result in a citation. Interstate commercial drivers risk both the driver and company’s safety score if operating unbelted,” MoDOT points out.

For additional information regarding roadway safety, or other transportation-related topics, contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center toll free, at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). For more information on the Big Trucks Campaign, visit www.saveMOlives.com.