Even before construction season is in full swing in the area, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is urging drivers to think about how they protect those working in work zones.

April 22 is Go Orange Day, an opportunity to wear orange in recognition of the men and women who work day and night to improve and maintain the state’s roads and bridges.

Although state law prohibits texting while driving on any road and using a handheld mobile device in work zones and in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights, distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of work zone crashes, along with speeding and tailgating.

Mark Kantola of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says drivers in Door County have taken the issue seriously, despite the past few summers being extremely busy with construction work.

Unlike past years, there will be no WisDOT projects in Door County this year. However, crews will begin April 27 with annual bridge maintenance work on the Bayview and Maple/Oregon Street bridges in Sturgeon Bay. They will return May 4 to complete similar work on the Michigan Street Bridge.