Thanksgiving holiday travel begins today. With lower fuel prices, Missourian’s could be traveling in record numbers to visit friends and family across the nation.The Thanksgiving holiday is usually one of travel and cheer. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous time. During the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday there were 18 fatalities and 46 serious injury crashes on Missouri’s roadways. That’s potentially 64 families whose lives were forever changed over one holiday.“The sheer number of crashes, injuries and deaths during this holiday is startling enough. Worse yet, most of those deaths and injuries could have been prevented,” said Roberta Broeker, interim director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. “With more people traveling, the possibility for traffic crashes increases, but there are many things motorists can do to keep themselves safer on the roads.”                Before you head to Thanksgiving dinner, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety urges you to plan your safe travel ahead of time. With increased traffic and hurried travelers, safety needs to your top priority. You can make your holiday travel safer by following these tips:

• Plan your trip. MoDOT has expanded and upgraded its Traveler Information mobile app.  This app offers the latest information on Missouri road conditions, work zones, flooding and incidents for iPhones, Androids, iPads and tablets.
• Buckle Up. The use of safety belts and child restraints is one of the best ways to prevent death and personal injury when involved in a traffic crash.
• Don’t Drive Distracted. Concentrate only on your driving and pay close attention to motorists around you.
• Obey the laws of the road. Speeding is a contributing factor of the fatal and personal injury crashes during the holidays.
• Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan to drink, designate a driver, or call a cab.

For additional information on roadway safety, visit saveMOlives.com, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Arrive Alive.Thanksgiving