Now that spring is upon us, we’re finally experiencing warmer weather, more rain, flooding and, of course, traffic delays caused by road construction.

Saturday, April 14, 2001

Now that spring is upon us, we’re finally experiencing warmer weather, more rain, flooding and, of course, traffic delays caused by road construction.

Although roadway construction can be irritating to southeast Minnesota motorists, those working on the highways are prone to problems of their own. Most motorists are familiar with the state Department of Transportation’s slogan, "Give ’em a brake," in an effort to promote highway work zone safety.

You don’t need statistics to know that too many people are either injured or killed in construction zone crashes each year. Most of the time these crashes are caused by careless drivers.

Everyone at some point has been running late for work, a meeting or another obligation. Speeding is never a wise thing to do, but it is even more foolish when done in a construction zone. Not only are you subjecting yourself to hefty fines, but you are also putting yourself, your passengers, other motorists and construction workers at risk.

As the saying goes, "better late than never."

Here are a few tips for keeping yourself, your family and others safe during the road construction season:

– Don’t speed in work zones.

– Give driving your full attention.

– Be aware of moving equipment and shifting traffic patterns.

– Most accidents in work zones involve rear-end collisions, so allow plenty of space in front of you.

Just remember that the annoyances you may experience because of roadway construction are ultimately for your own good. These men and women are charged with improving the roads on which we travel and they should be treated with respect. When you encounter highway construction on Interstate 90 – or other state and county highways – this summer, slow down and pay attention.