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BOONE COUNTY, MO. -- MoDOT Officials have declared this week as Work Zone Awareness Week.

They want to remind motorists to pay attention and drive cautiously through highway construction zones as traveling season begins.

Work crews said, don’t barrel through work zones, drive smart.

MoDOT workers are replacing concrete on a stretch of Highway 63 just north of Columbia. Highway construction zones like that one are very common this time of year. While traveling through work zones, highway crews want motorists to slow down and pay attention.

“We want every one of our highway workers to return home to his or her family each day," MoDOT District Engineer Roger Schwartze said. "We want every motorist who travels through a work zone to reach their destination safely.”

Last year, 13 people were killed in Missouri work zones. It has increased from the previous year when 12 people were killed. Missouri Highway Patrol Officers always keep a close eye on work zones for speeders and other reckless drivers.

“Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead," Missouri Highway Patrol Lt. Vernon Dougan said. "Before you take off on vacation or a weekend trip, check to see what construction zones are going to be on your route. Knowing where construction is allows you to prepare.”

Since 2000, 15 MoDOT workers have been killed in the line of duty in highway construction work zones.

MoDOT workers said most people do slow down through work zones; however, their main concern is motorists talking or even texting on cell phones in these areas.

Click on the link below for more information about work zone safety or to learn the location of current highway work zones.