Warmer weather brings unique hazards to busy roads

Riley Funk, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·2 min read

May 19—As Memorial Day weekend approaches and marks an unofficial start to summer, drivers should take into account an increase in traffic, pedestrians and certain roadway risks.

According to AAA, there will be almost 44 million travelers during Memorial Day weekend, with more than 38 million hitting the road and almost 4 million hopping on a flight.

For those who are taking a road trip, gas prices have seen a slight dip over the past month both nationally and in the state. The national average sits at roughly $3.60 per gallon. In Missouri, the price per gallon is lower at $3.22, which is a more than 10-cent drop in the past month. In Kansas, gas prices sit around $3.15 per gallon.

Sgt. Shane Hux of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said Memorial Day is the real beginning of summer travel in Northwest Missouri.

"There's definitely a lot more traffic out there, especially here in Northwest Missouri, than there was 20 years ago," Hux said.

He said summertime brings out different vehicles that could present challenges on roadways across the state.

"We're going to be seeing a lot of slower moving vehicles, with that being trucks pulling boats, trucks pulling campers, RVs. You'll have younger drivers out there at all times of day," Hux said. "There's also going to be pedestrian traffic out there, bicyclists (and) we still have planting going on out in the rural parts of the state."

There will also be young drivers taking on summer roads for the first time. For newer drivers, Hux said eliminating distractions is key.

"For these young drivers, they have a lot to learn. Driving is a full-time job. It takes 100% of your attention, (so) don't let that phone distract you," Hux said.

Hux alluded to this being the first full summer with drivers needing to abide by the Siddens Bening Hands Free Law, which makes it illegal to use, handle or hold phones behind the wheel. The law was passed in August 2023.

Summer celebrations also mean it's important to have driving arrangements if alcohol will be involved.

"The weather's nice, so people want to be outside more family get-togethers, more backyard barbecues. And people going from one place to the other, alcohol seems to be more prevalent during this time of year," He said. "Anytime your plans involve alcohol, make sure that you have a designated driver."

Riley Funk can be reached at riley.funk@newspressnow.com.