Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)  - A special ceremony was held this morning at the Minnesota Department of Transportation District Headquarters in Rochester to mark Worker Memorial Day.

The event honored the six MNDOT workers who have died on the job in southeastern Minnesota since 1960. Statewide, 34 MNDOT employees and 15 private contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways.

The annual commemoration of Worker Memorial Day also serves as a reminder to motorists to use extra caution while driving through construction zones, which will be common throughout Minnesota for the next six months. Motorists suffer the vast majority of work zone deaths and injuries.

MnDOT encourages motorists to follow these recommendations in work zones:

 Stay alert
 Watch for signs, equipment and workers
 Minimize distractions, such as using cell phones, eating or drinking
 Avoid tailgating
 Follow posted speed limits and directional signs
 Stay in one lane while driving through a work zone

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