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ODOT asking motorists to use extra care Memorial Day weekend -- especially in work zones

The Ohio Department of Transportation is asking motorists to be aware, especially in and around construction work zones, as traffic is sure to pick up for the Memorial Day weekend.

We’re well into Ohio’s road construction busy season as the holiday weekend signals the unofficial start to summer.

Traffic can increase to upwards of 14 percent on Ohio roadways during the holiday weekend. That makes it the fourth highest traveled holiday of the year.

Last year, there were 6,041 work zone crashes resulting in 28 deaths.

"Drivers need to slow down and be alert, especially in work zones," Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray said in a prepared statement.

"Even though we do what we can to make them as safe as possible work zones can be a dangerous place."

>>RELATED: Holiday weekend means 'Click It or Ticket' program in full force

This year is not expected to be any different, as AAA is already predicting 1.4 million Ohioans will drive more than 50 miles from home during the holiday. That’s an increase of 2.2 percent from last year.

With these increases coming about, ODOT is working to reduce the size and impact of work zones as much as possible during the holiday weekend.

Motorists can plan ahead by following their social media accounts and downloading the OHGO app for traffic alerts and more than 600 live traffic cameras.

>>RELATED: Check the latest traffic report

Of the 15 traffic deaths during the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, four victims were not wearing a seat belt.

That is why ODOT will be working with the Ohio Highway Patrol to encourage those traveling by vehicle to buckle up. There will be more than 130 digital highway message boards will display "Click it or Ticket" and "Buckle up Buckeyes."

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