ST. LOUIS – In 2023, MoDOT shared that there were 60 early instances where their workzone vehicles were hit, a considerable jump from the 36 seen in 2022. Hearing those numbers is what’s calling MoDOT and those personally effected to not only voice the need for driver awareness but to take action in helping those who have personally been effected or struck in those workzones.
For Tanya Musskopf, the loss of her pregnant 25-year-old daughter was a devastation she never saw coming and something that could have been avoided. Musskopf told FOX 2 that since then, she’s not only started an organization, ‘Kait’s Love for Jaxx,’ which has helped many through several campaigns, but she’s now pushing for stricter penalties when it comes to accountability for construction-zone incidents.
Her case, now heading to the Supreme Court, she hopes will signal a change in worker safety and driver awareness.
From upcoming 5K runs to cornhole tournaments benefiting Crisis Nursery and other affiliations, Musskopf is encouraging others to join in to both support and aid families who have suffered the effects of accidents in work zones. Kaitlin Anderson and her unborn baby Jaxx explain why she’s fought so hard to help others and also push for safer conditions for those workers.
Musskopf says there will be several opportunities for the public to get involved. On June 8, at Arnold Park, there will be an 8 a.m. ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ walk event. On August 31, Musskopf and her team will continue to support them through their annual Toy Drive/Cornhole Event before their annual Gala takes off in November, which sold out this past year. To get involved, click here.
Trying to help others through a pain she’s felt since the loss of her daughter on November 18, 2021, Musskopf also hands out grief bags filled with items that not only resemble Kaitlin and her light but can help to make others feel more comforted during their times of grievance.
