Minnesota Department Of Transportation Urges Drivers To Slow Down In Road Construction Zones

Orange cone season is here and the Northland is on tap for multiple road projects this summer. As they gear up for the work ahead, officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation are urging drivers to slow down and be alert in work zones.

April 11 - 15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and MNDOT is joining the efforts with their own "Don't Be That Driver!" focus to encourage safe driving while crews are at work.

During the 2015 road project season, 10 fatalities and 1,684 crashes occurred in Minnesota. Many of these could have been avoided with slower speeds and alert drivers.

When entering a road project site, drivers are asked to obey the posted speed limits, pay attention to signs and flaggers, be patient, and not drive distracted.

Wisconsin just passed legislation making it illegal to be on a cell phone or wireless device while driving a motorized vehicle through a work zone.