HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Working construction on an active highway is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. New York's Department of Transportation wants to remind you to be extra careful while traveling through work zones.

Many road workers have stories of distracted drivers, road rage, and other instances of their working environments being made more dangerous by a reckless driver. During National Work Zone Awareness Week, the state is hoping inform the public of the dangers these workers face.

On the job, road workers will deal with dangerous situations, some leave them at risk of being hurt, or even killed. National Work Zone Awareness Week aims to shed light on the many dangers that road workers face while maintaining our thoroughfares.

"These folks are some of the most dedicated public servants that we have. Today is really all about them. It's all about making folks aware about National Work Zone Awareness Week, and like I said, it's not just one week's worth of notice. It's literally what we need to do as individuals, as New Yorkers, to protect these folks who are truly protecting us," remarked NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

Commissioner Dominguez mentioned DOT worker Matt Howe, who died after being hit by a tractor trailer in 2019 outside of Owego. It's a reminder of the dangers that road workers face. In addition to speeding vehicles, workers have also come across angry and distracted drivers, leading to a total of 322 workplace intrusions in 2024.

"You want to look outside, you want to enjoy the great weather, you want to enjoy the great scenery, but pay attention to what you're doing. Put your phones down, recognize there are people out on the roadway doing a job and you need to make sure that you keep them safe," added Dominguez.

State lawmakers as well as the Governor have pushed for harsher penalties for those who endanger these workers. Camera surveillance and enforcement have so far lowered the amount of incidents.

"There's also a program that's been launched in the last couple of years known as the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program, which allows work zones to have cameras placed in them, mounted cameras on vehicles or catching speeders as they go through. This is a pilot program that was launched and passed by the legislature and signed by the governor and supported by them a couple of years ago," said Dominguez.

The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program is currently in the most recent state budget proposal.

The DOT is reminding drivers that road construction is ramping up now that weather conditions have improved. More construction goals are expected in light of several major events coming up in 2026, including the 250th birthday of the United States and the FIFA World Cup.