Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 7-11, 2008. During that week, the Patrol's General Headquarters and any troop headquarters with outdoor lighting will use orange, rather than white lights. Operation Orange, as it is being called, is meant to remind motorists of the need to drive safely in highway work zones.

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As warm weather approaches, the Missouri Department of Transportation will take advantage of warm, dry weather to repair Missouri's roadways across the state. Those traveling regularly through Missouri are familiar with the orange road construction barrels, work zone signs and flagmen. While travelers might be slightly inconvenienced by delays due to construction, remember: Those crews are improving the roadways for safer, easier travel.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers to pay special attention when approaching and driving through road construction areas.

Preliminary 2007 statistics indicate six people were killed and 782 people were injured in 2,399 traffic crashes involving construction zones.

The top two contributing factors for traffic crashes are speeding and inattention. Drivers should always obey the posted speed limits, especially in road construction areas. Failing to do so puts themselves and road crew personnel in danger. Due to narrowed lanes, drivers do not have anywhere to drive and little time to react in order to avoid a traffic crash if the vehicle in front of them stops suddenly.

"Driving is a full-time job," said Colonel Keathley. "Please pay attention and obey the lower speed limits you encounter in construction zone areas. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will hold special enforcement projects focused on construction zone safety throughout 2008."