Orange barrel season is upon us and while that means slower traffic and more delays, it also should mean being extra careful while driving.

Brian Jergenson of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) public affairs, says "primarily, you need to be alert. Be sure you see orange when you're driving, watch out for signs and people."

Statistics from MnDOT say 2,286 work zone crashes occurred in 2001. Of those accidents,10 people were killed and 667 people were injured.

"That's not an anomaly," Jergenson says. "It happens year in and year out. The vast majority of injuries in work zones are not because of the people working there but because of motorists. I'd say probably 98 percent of work zone accidents are caused by motorists and most of those from inattentive driving and tailgating."

Jergenson says a work zone is "any type of roadwork that may impede traffic conditions, including moving work zones like road sweepers and snowplows." Work zone areas are marked with orange cones or barrels, concrete barriers, traffic control devices, mowers or vehicles with flashing lights.

When workers are present in work zones, drivers should be even more attentive. "The double fines law has been changed so that it only applies when workers are present in the work zone," Jergenson says. "In the past, you had to slow down even if workers weren't present, but now, you have to follow a reduced speed limit only if the workers are there."

If you do get caught speeding in a work zone when workers are present, Jergenson says your fine will be doubled. "I think the average speeding ticket is $80 on a state highway, so if you double that, it's $160 for speeding in a work zone."

In addition to staying alert, MnDOT gives these tips for avoiding accidents in work zones:

-- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

-- Anticipate lane shifts -- merge when directed to do so.

-- Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

-- Don't speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.

-- Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.

-- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

-- Be patient.

So where are the major state road projects this year? According to MnDOT, near Rochester, on Interstate 90 from Exit 275 (U.S. Hwy 14, U.S. Hwy 61) to the Wisconsin state line, the roadway will be reduced to one lane until June 1.

Near Owatonna on I-35, road and bridge construction from Exit 66 (Rice County Road 1) to Exit 81 (Dakota County Road 70) will last until Sept. 15.

Also on I-35, from the Iowa state line to Exit 13 (Interstate 90) road construction will last from May 1 until Nov. 15.

On State Route 13, from U.S. Hwy 69 to U.S. Hwy 65, road and bridge construction will last until Nov. 11.

On State Route 19, from U.S. Hwy 52 to State Route 20, road and bridge construction will last until July 1.

On State Route 30, from Steele County Road 28 to Steele County Road 45, road construction and paving projects will occur between April 29 and June 28.

On U.S. Hwy. 63, there will be road construction and bridge maintenance operations at the Wisconsin state line until Nov. 15.

For more information about road construction projects in the area, you can call the 24-hour MnDOT road information line at 1-800-542-0220 or visit the MnDOT Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us.