“Driving requires all your attention, but that is especially true in work zones where things can change quickly.”

That from Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks as he discussed the dangers construction workers face from the motoring public.

With highway construction season in full swing, it is a good time to remember just how much is at stake if we don’t follow his advice.

According to ODOT, last year there were 4,098 work zone-related crashes in Ohio — 36% occurring when workers were present. There were 1,433 injuries from work zone-related crashes, 110 of them serious. Nine people were killed, including one contractor.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are always on the lookout, but it would be nice if we didn’t give them much to do this spring and summer. Forget about the tickets, the fines, the insurance rates or the points on the license, what is important here is the health and safety of ODOT workers.

This year alone, 43 ODOT crew members have been struck while working. The total for all of last year was 56.

Let’s make sure everyone makes it home safe.