MoDOT relies on new technologies to cut gas costs

Intro: MoDOT plans to utilize new technologies as an answer to high gas prices.

Rachel Glaser (GLAZ-R) has more from Jefferson City.

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MoDOT reprogrammed 1800 vehicles in order to cope with the affects of rising gas prices.

MoDOT spokesperson Sally Oxenhandler says they are taking big steps to reduce gas usage in the cars and trucks they own.

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Description: We've just worked with our employees to make them be energy conscious and conservative on fuel. And again, you know one of the big steps reprogramming some of our big trucks to shut down after about five minutes of idling so we don't waste fuel that way.

MoDOT says they have also installed energy efficient lights and encourage their employees to carpool.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Rachel Glaser.

Intro: With rising gas prices, Missouri's state highway patrol plans to use a more stationary approach to catching speeders.

Rachel Glaser (GLAZ-R) has more from Jefferson City.

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Instead of driving up and down Missouri highways looking for speeders, the highway patrol is going to let speeders come to them.

Patrol cars used to drive along highways in order to catch speeders but with high gas prices, says Liutenant John Holtz, drivers can expect to see alot more patrol cars sitting along the side of highways.

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Description: We're still out there, the average citizen is not going to notice any difference in the service that they receive from the highway patrol. We're doing all the things we have typically done. Utilizing different technologies such as the laser unit instead of the normal radar unit to enforce those speed limits.

The highway patrol says their goal is to remain hidden from vehicles to enforce laws and reduce the number of traffic infractions and keep Missouri's highways safe.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Rachel Glaser.

Intro: Missouri fire stations are doing their part to conserve gas and cut costs

Rachel Glaser (GLAZ-R) has more from Jefferson City

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As gas prices continue to rise, Missouri's fire stations are making an effort to decrease their use. Public Education Officer Jason Turner says their staff is doing what they can to conserve.

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Description: We have asked our staff to try and make a conscious effort to reduce the use of vehicles when it is not necessary or when vehicles are going to be sitting on the scenes for long periods of time not being used to shut them off and let them sit off without being ran using up the fuel.

Turner says it will not affect the station's services, but if necessary they may have to increase their budget.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Rachel Glaser.