USE CAUTION WHEN DRIVING THROUGH HIGHWAY WORK

Most of us have a tendency to get annoyed when we're driving on a highway and suddenly see those yellow caution signs telling us that road work -- and possible delays -- are ahead.

But those highway projects are important to us for many reasons. They improve our highways, and they provide employment to a large number of construction workers.

Most of us pay little attention to the workers along the highway. We watch where we're going and assume the highway workers will do the same.

But even the most cautious highway worker knows of the imminent and deadly peril that comes with the job. Recently, three workers at a construction site along Highway 3 in Illinois were killed when a motorist ran into the construction area instead of staying in the proper lane. A fourth worker was seriously injured.

Tragedies like this make highway workers very aware of the dangers that exist. As many as 880 highway workers have died while on construction sites nationwide since 1994.

Motorists need to be particularly alert when they see construction signs. The potential for disaster is all too real, and unless motorists heed the warning signs and take appropriate precautions, more deaths are likely to occur.

Highway crews are starting to work earlier in the day -- as early as 6:30 a.m. in Illinois -- during the summer heat.

All of us need to appreciate the work these construction crews are doing, even if it means minor inconveniences for a while.

And, please. Let's do everything we possible can to avoid any more deaths as the result of motorists who aren't paying attention or who decide to speed through construction areas.