SIOUXLAND -
We've seen the cones and the crashes, but the bottom line is: road construction isn't going away any time soon.
FOX 44's Jacob Heller hit the road to find out what can you do to keep you, your family, and construction workers safe when you travel this summer.
"We've got construction all over the place," said Trooper Vince Kurtz with the Iowa State Patrol.
You see them on Iowa roads every summer, orange cones and orange signs, which inevitably equal construction zones.
"We want people to slow down, wake up, and pay attention when they're going through construction zones," said Trooper Kurtz.
When you see those signs on the road staying safe is simple, almost common sense: pay attention and slow down.
"Regardless as to what the signs say as to a speed limit, you need to reduce your speed immediately," said Trooper Kurtz.
When you're driving near construction the worst can happen instantly, like it did Monday, June 18th on Highway 20 near Holstein.
A semi didn't stop for traffic in a construction zone, hitting a car and killing two people.
That kind of accident is something Trooper Kurtz sees all too often.
"It only takes one split second when you're not paying attention," said Trooper Kurtz. "And the next thing you know it could be tragedy."
Taking a few more seconds and keeping your eyes on the road when you see those orange cones could save lives.
"Pay attention and just take a little extra time getting through there," said Kurtz.
It's good to know if you'll head into any construction zones before you hit the road.
For all the latest road information in Iowa, please visit this web site: http://www.511ia.org/
For all the latest road information in Nebraska, please visit this web site: http://www.511.nebraska.gov/atis/html/index.html
For all the latest road information in South Dakota, please visit this web site: http://www.safetravelusa.com/sd/
