Yes, Nukes Travel on Missouri Highways and You Should Be Afraid

Ever learn something that you wish you didn't know? This is one of those things for me. I've discovered more facts than I wanted to know about how nuclear weapons really are transported on Missouri highways and there are lots of legitimate reasons to be very afraid.

The National Nuclear Security Administration has what they call the Office of Secure Transportation. They have trucks that carry "classified shipments can contain nuclear weapons or components, enriched uranium, or plutonium" and they are heavily-guarded transports with federal agents watching everyone's every move and you can bet that military assets are available should they be needed.

Half as Interesting shared some of the routes that these nuclear weapons take and Missouri is a major part of that network thanks to nuclear manufacturing facilities in Kansas City and the nuclear-capable stealth bombers at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Having driven on Missouri highways most of my adult life, the thought of nuclear weapons being in the middle of that madness is terrifying enough, but here are some additional facts that should also cause you to lose some sleep at night.

While I have no doubt that most of the agents in charge of this transport are highly-trained professionals who are among the best in the world, they are human beings and human beings make mistakes and have life issues.

What about all the severe weather in Missouri? Wouldn't that be a problem for nuclear weapons transport?

The Office of Secure Transportation tries to calm my nerves by saying they do not travel during inclement weather and make sure shelters are available if they run into an unexpected storm. Whew. I was getting worried there.

Since these transports are as classified as it gets, you won't find a schedule for when the next nuclear weapons transport will be crossing Missouri. Would it be too much to ask that the next time you're tempted to drive crazy around big rigs, that you consider they could be a nuke truck? There are more around you than you probably think.