HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The warmer weather brings an increase in road construction. That means drivers must be aware of road workers in construction zones.

Kim Stitch is an information specialist for the Kansas Department of Transportation. She says this week reminds drivers to slow down when in or near highway work zones. The week also reminds drivers to be aware of law enforcement or other emergency personnel that may be along the road.

KDOT officials say employees Ted Coleman, Wichita, Kade Cooper, Belleville, and KTA employee Kayne Kraus have all been in close calls in work zones. There have also been some workers killed in work zones in the past few years. Stitch says most accidents don’t involve the workers.

“Unfortunately, when we do have accidents, about 85 to 90 percent of the time, it’s the motorists who are injured or killed in work zone crashes. Now if a work zone crash involves a worker, it is much more serious because they are usually not in a vehicle. More often than not, motorists are rear-ending each other, going off the side of the road or hitting equipment,” Stitch said.

Motorists are reminded that fines double in work zones.