That’s why the Michigan Department of Transportation is urging residents to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Erben is a construction manager with MDOT and he knows he can’t stop drivers from using their phones when they drive, but he’s asking that they at least put them away in construction zones. We’ve all seen folks texting on the phones while driving,” Erben said. Jeremy Zeitz was struck and killed while working on Sherwood Highway over I-69 in Eaton County. “It’s a pretty tight-knit community so when one road worker gets killed, then we all know about it,” said Erben.

DETROIT – Michigan Department of Transportation officials say while there may be fewer motorists on the roads, the number of road and work zone fatalities are on the rise. As of September, 730 people have died on Michigan roads. We implore you to slow down and drive through work zones as if it was your own workplace.”MDOT understands that traveling through work zones can be frustrating. The department is working diligently to reduce the impacts that road work has on motorists while delivering smooth and safe roads. As a reminder, motorists should always slow down, follow all posted signs, be alert, and remain calm when driving through a work zone.