Published: January 26, 2021 • Updated: April 27, 2026
Each year, thousands of miles of roadway fall into disrepair, leaving drivers to navigate hazards such as potholes, worn pavement, and damaged guardrails.
In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining the state’s extensive highway system—more than 33,000 miles of roads and over 10,000 bridges and culverts. This includes routine inspections, repairs, winter treatment, and ensuring that road markings and safety features meet required standards.
Highway guardrails are an important safety feature on our roadways. When designed correctly, they help reduce the impact of car accidents. They:
While guardrails are meant to protect vehicles and their passengers, and lessen the severity of a crash, there are circumstances when they do not.
As a driver, you trust that the roads you drive on day in and day out have been designed and are maintained for your safe passage. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Cars skid, slide, run off the road down embankments, collide with other vehicles and more.
Published: September 12, 2019 • Updated: April 23, 2026
Car accidents happen for many reasons — distracted driving, defective vehicle parts, impaired driving, and more. But one major cause often gets overlooked: dangerous road conditions. Every year, poorly designed or poorly maintained roads contribute to thousands of crashes, leaving drivers injured and families devastated.
