ST. CLOUD, Minn.-Recent unsafe driver behavior on construction and maintenance job sites in central Minnesota has prompted the Minnesota Department of Transportation to remind drivers to drive safely through work zones.

Safety is MnDOT's first priority, not only for maintenance and construction crews, but also for those traveling through the work zones; motorists and passengers represent more than 80 percent of people killed in work zones.

More than a thousand Americans die each year in highway work-zone crashes, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which represents the state transportation departments in Washington, D.C. One in three crashes in a work zone is a rear-end collision-the most common crash in a highway work zone.

While traveling this summer, motorists will encounter roadway work zones. Remember to:

Slow down and stay alert-expect the unexpected.

• Minimize distractions.
  
• Don't tailgate! Keep plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
  
• Obey all work zone signing and don't drive around barrels, cones or barricades.
  
• Observe posted speed limits - fines double in work zones.

Current construction and weather reports are available from MnDOT's 511 Traveler Information Service by dialing 5-1-1 or via the Internet at: www.511mn.org.

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