Wisconsin DOT raising awareness for driving safety during Work Zone Awareness Week

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) - There were more than 2,700 crashes in Wisconsin work zones last year, and state leaders want that to change.

Governor Scott Walker declared this as Work Zone Awareness Week to help prevent those deadly crashes in the future. During the week, Wisconsin's Department of Transportation will remind Wisconsin drivers of safe driving habits, and why they're so important when near work zones.

Police and State Patrol officers will also have an extra presence in work zones this week to enforce speed limits and other traffic laws. 

"We just want to make sure everybody gets home safely at the end fo the day, and so we're really encouraging people to obviously pay attention when you're out there on the roads, slow down, and be patient,” said Wisconsin DOT Project Development Chief Engineer Jim Rohe.

The Wisconsin DOT will update their social media pages and work zone signs with safe driving tips through the 2018 construction season.