Missouri State Highway Patrol Urges Caution Around Hazardous,Water Covered Roadways

Over the course of the last several days, heavy rains have caused extensive flash flooding throughout Missouri and has led to many roadway closures. The Patrol encourages motorists to never drive through water covered roads; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway. For your safety and that of your passengers, drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. Barricades closing a road are there to protect you. Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT or other officials. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them. If your vehicle would happen to become stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges motorists to be vigilant of water across roadways, including roadways which rarely experience such conditions. Recognizing these conditions is particularly difficult after dark, so it is imperative drivers utilize extreme caution to assure safe passage to their destination.

Flooding from recent rains have already claimed 13 lives in Missouri alone. Know the route you will be traveling, and the current condition of those roadways. The cold temperature of the water, in addition to colder air temperatures, will cause hypothermia to set in quickly for those exposed. Don’t put yourself in the position of battling the elements!

Missouri Department of Transportation road conditions may be accessed through the Highway Patrol’s website (www.mshp.dps.mo.gov). These flooding conditions are changing rapidly and driver caution is critical. Motorists must be attentive and allow additional reaction time for these changing conditions. Let’s work together to prevent further loss of life from these extremely hazardous conditions.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash. The Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Join us in supporting the Drive To Zero Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!!!