They say the state flower of West Virginia could be orange construction barrels, given the number of them that pop up as the weather allows for continued work on our Roads to Prosperity.

Certainly, if you’ve tried traveling across the state recently, the delays and changes in route can be frustrating. But that is no excuse to become careless — or even reckless.

The men and women who work on our roads and bridges put themselves at risk every day to make the way smoother and safer for the rest of us. And, no, they are not able to complete the work instantly or without a little inconvenience to those who will eventually be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

It is truly a shame that the state is again mourning another highway worker who paid the ultimate price for doing that work.

Last week, James Dean Harper, 24, left behind a wife and infant child after he was struck by a distracted tractor-trailer driver. Harper was patching potholes on the West Virginia Turnpike.

During this national Work Zone Awareness Week, Harper’s death is a sobering reminder of the importance of staying focused, obeying the rules, and respecting the job sites of our West Virginia Division of Highways workers.

“All across the state, and even across the country, men and women will be working outside on roads,” said West Virginia Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh. “While many take notice, many more do not, often leading to tragic outcomes. That’s why, as we observe work zone awareness week, it is crucial to reflect on the serious risks faced by both workers and drivers in roadway construction areas.”

Flashing lights and reduced speed limit signs are just the start of what we must pay attention to in work zones. Has the route changed? Are lanes shifting? Is there a flag or sign advising even greater caution (or maybe the need to stop)?

All of that is hard to determine if you are not totally focused on the road ahead.

“Distracted driving in work zones isn’t just reckless, it’s deadly,” said Everett Frazier, of the Highway Safety Program. “One second of looking at your phone, fiddling with the radio, or being mentally somewhere else is all it takes to change a life forever.” Pay attention, slow down, follow the rules and remember you are zooming through someone else’s office at 55 mph. The job of a highway worker never ends. But it is up to the rest of us to ensure the job doesn’t end their life.