INDOT: Stay safe in construction zones

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use caution in highway work zones as the busy road construction season begins.

The department is taking part in National Work Zone Awareness Week. It started Monday and runs through Friday.

INDOT says 14 people were killed and nearly 500 were injured in Indiana highway work zones in 2011. INDOT says statistics show the top causes of work zone crashes are drivers following too closely or making improper lane changes.

INDOT officials urges drivers to be aware of work zone locations, practice safe driving habits and navigate all work zones cautiously. More than $1 billion in highway projects are scheduled to begin construction in Indiana this year.