MoDOT Director Blasts Driver Behavior in Work Zones

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Department of Transportation Director Ed Hassinger called driver behavior in the state’s work zones “atrocious” during a legislative committee briefing this week.

Hassinger pointed to speeding and distracted driving as major dangers, saying 36 people were killed in work zone crashes in 2023 and 24 last year. He warned the risks threaten both road workers and the public. Missouri’s new ban on texting while driving, which took effect January 1, appears to be making a difference.

Hassinger said data shows a 5% drop in distracted driving incidents since enforcement began.