Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of the Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (Patrol Response Operation To Enforcement of Construction zone Traffic) enforcement projects scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2021, and Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The projects are part of a joint effort with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) to raise awareness about work zone safety.

"Last year in Missouri, 27 people died and another 661 people were injured in crashes taking place in a work zone," said Col. Olson. "Speed limits are lower in work zones and the roadway may be narrowed to accommodate the construction. This leaves less room for drivers to react if the vehicles in front of them slow down or stop suddenly. Please stay alert, obey the posted speed limit, and watch for changes in traffic patterns. Let's make work zones safer for our highway workers as well as others who are traveling through the area."

Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. identifies and prioritizes construction/work zones with critical issues or problems affecting highway safety through complaints from the public, highway/construction workers, law enforcement, and emergency responders, and takes into account recent crash statistics. In addition, a Zero Tolerance enforcement policy has been established for the operation as well as routine construction zone enforcement focusing on traffic violations, such as speed, following too close, other hazardous moving, and commercial motor vehicle violations. This zero tolerance policy directs troopers to take appropriate action on all observed traffic violations in construction/work zones by issuing uniform citations or warnings.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”