4th of July roadway safety: here’s what drivers should lookout for

This Independence Day weekend, Americans will take more trips than ever.

In fact, AAA reports more than 36 million people will be driving to their Fourth of July destinations. That’s about a 1.2 increase–largely due to the lowest gas prices in more than a decade.

Over the 2015 Fourth of July holiday, 14 people were killed and 46 were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes. This year, the roadway risk is even greater due to statewide construction projects and more drivers.

Next week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will have additional troopers out on the road and will be cracking down on drunk drivers. But even if you don’t plan on drinking, MoDOT District Engineer David Silvester says it’s still crucial to be on high alert as distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes.

“Pay attention to your surroundings and if you are in a work zone and do come across them–if even it’s not this holiday weekend–definitely be on point with what you’re doing and operating that vehicle,” Silvester tells ABC 17 News.

While a number of traffic projects will be put on hold over the holiday weekend, some, like the Missouri river bridge project are a 24/7 operation. If you’re caught speeding through a work zone, you could face a minimum fine of $250 and if you hit a worker, you could be fined $10,000.

Fourth of July is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to crashes involving drivers under the influence.

“Of course we want everyone to go out there and have a lot of fun this holiday weekend, however, drinking should not be apart of that if they’re going to get behind the wheel,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Paul Reinsch tells ABC 17 News.

As for the bottom line?

“The number one thing is traffic’s going to be very heavy. it’s going to be very warm, but in addition, there’s also going to be a possibility of rain,” Reinsch explains. “So, if they do run into a very rare rain storm this weekend, be careful because it could be slick on the roadways.”

Before you head out the door, be sure to download MoDOT’s mobile appas well as our ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather app so you can plan for traffic delays and any changes in the forecast.