Springfield, Illinois — Construction season is starting across Illinois and State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago), along with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), want to remind drivers to stay focused in work zones.

"According to IDOT, 32 people died in work zone crashes during 2010," stated Senator Munoz. "By making people aware of work zones and the workers in them, we hope to drastically reduce that number."

National Work Zone Awareness Week will be observed, April 4-8, 2011. During this week, IDOT will be holding multiple events statewide to raise awareness on work zone safety. For more information you can go the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website at www.dot.il.gov/safetyEng/wzawarenessweek.html.

Senator Munoz would like to bring to your attention two distracted driving laws currently in effect in Illinois. First, it is illegal for drivers to talk on a cell phone while traveling through any construction work zone or school zone. This is to ensure drivers are not distracted by their cell phone while around workers or children. The second prohibits drivers from emailing, texting or surfing the internet while driving on all Illinois roadways. Fines for both offenses start at $75.