Our Opinion: "Four E's' apply to safety on Labor Day

Labor Day weekend approaches amid a mix of public safety reminders for motorists.

Cautions have been issued regarding anticipated high traffic volumes, increased enforcement, work zone safety and even pavement blowouts caused by high temperatures. More about those later.

These advisories are set against a backdrop of steady improvements in highway safety.

Since the Missouri Highway Patrol began reporting fatality statistics in 1949, the statewide average has been 1,086.5 annually.

The lowest total, 757 deaths, was reported last year. And that reflects a continuing decrease since 2005, with the exception of 2012 posting an increase from the previous year.

The patrol attributes the trend to the "Four E's - Education, Enforcement, Engineering and EMS."

Emergency medical response continues to improve, with modern communications rapidly dispatching trained medical professionals outfitted with state-of-art equipment.

Engineering components include safety features being added by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). These include cross-over barriers in medians, rumble strips, straightening curves and other enhancements. Credit the cash-strapped agency for its emphasis on safety.

MoDOT also reminds motorists that although it will halt construction in work zones from noon Friday until Tuesday morning, motorists still may encounter lane closures in some work zones.

An added wrinkle for motorists are possible pavement "blow-ups," which occur when high temperatures cause the pavement to buckle and warp. Although MoDOT is monitoring roadways for blow-ups, motorists are encouraged to report them by calling the toll-free customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636), or online at www.modot.org.

Enforcement by the patrol and other agencies will continue through the holiday weekend, with the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown in effect. The focus will be on drunk driving, but all traffic laws will be enforced.

Education is where we, the traveling public, have a role to play. Safety campaigns - regarding seat belt use, drunk driving, work zones - are effective only if we listen and act accordingly.

Statistics show we're doing better - much better.

The 757 fatalities reported last year are fewer than half the highest total, 1,521, in 1969.

The Four E's of safety are working. Enforcement, engineering emergency response and education are improving steadily.

From an education standpoint, we know what works. Buckle up, be sober and drive safely this Labor Day weekend.