National Work Zone Awareness Week

AUSTIN, Texas - It's National Work Zone Awareness Week and TxDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert while driving through work zones.

Construction seems to be a given on area roads and with it comes slower speed limits. The massive project on Mopac is just one example where the speed limit drops from 65 to 55 miles an hour. That slower speed limit is in place to protect construction workers.

According to TxDOT, more than 100 people are killed every year in crashes in highway construction and maintenance zones.

The two leading causes of work zone crashes are speeding and distracted driving.

To drive home the fact people need to be careful in these areas, TxDOT is placing 146 traffic cones to represent the people who died in Texas work zones last year.

The cones will be spread across TxDOT's lawn near I-35. The work zone safety ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m.

Here are some tips from TxDOT to keep you and construction crews safe:

- Slow down

- Follow posted speed limits

- Pay attention

- Be patient

- Plan ahead