(KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Operation Safe Driver Week will be October 14 through 20.

MoDOT says the point of Safe Driver Week is drivers of big trucks and passenger vehicles need to respect each other, pay attention and avoid unsafe behavior that could result in a crash.

Missouri law enforcement agencies will pay special attention to commercial vehicle drivers' compliance with safety regulations. They will also watch for unsafe and aggressive driving behaviors by both passenger and commercial drivers on highways and local roads.

“No matter how large a vehicle they operate, a driver’s first responsibility is to operate safely,” said Jan Skouby, MoDOT Motor Carrier Services director. “But defensive drivers go a step further. They look at the traffic around them and ask – are those drivers paying attention? If not, pay more attention to them. Can they see you? If not, be sure to make yourself visible.”

(KFVS) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers that this is the time of year when crops are harvested.

They say drivers should expect heavier farm machinery traffic, especially on rural highways. Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity.

“We encourage everyone, whether they live or will be traveling through a farming community, to stay alert and drive courteously,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Motorists should watch for farm implements on the roadway this time of year. Farmers need to be extra vigilant while on the roadway during the harvest season.”

According to the highway patrol, there were a total of 231 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment in 2011. In those crashes three drivers were killed and 17 were injured. In addition, 10 farm tractor passengers were injured.

BUTLER COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Transportation says Route 60 will be reduced to one lane while crews perform routine bridge maintenance.

The bridge is located between Route N and County Road 554.

Weather permitting, crews will be working Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

MoDOT says the work zone will be marked signs. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution while in the area.

For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

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