INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Department of Transportation says work zone fatalities have increased when compared to the first six months of last year. 

In 2018 at this time, there had been four deaths in work zones. That number has gone up to seven so far this year. INDOT is asking state police to monitor those work zones now more than ever. 

One thing different this year, there’s a trooper at the front of every lane restriction or closure with their lights on. This just makes drivers aware that something is going on ahead of them. 

In Marion County alone, on I-465 there are five work zones going on at once on the weekends. 

“Be aware that there are slow cars,” INDOT spokesperson Mallory Duncan said. “Be aware of your surroundings since there as lanes closed. We have a record number in central Indiana this year so be careful that when you leave one you could have another one soon. These speed limits are different and they are there for a reason.” 

Between January and June of last year there were more than 1,000 collisions in work zones across the state. This year, that number has increased to more than 1,100 in that same time.