Construction season is underway across the state, and leaders from the Illinois Department of Transportation are encouraging driver safety as more highways are covered in orange barrels.

Paul Wappel, Spokesman for IDOT, says drivers need to slow down and pay attention.

Each year, IDOT reports nearly 6,200 accidents in work zones across the state, resulting in more than 1,000 injuries.

In 2025, 35 drivers died in work zone accidents.