The Associated General Contractors of America have launched a national advertising and outreach campaign to urge motorists to stay alert and slow down while driving through highway work zones. This comes as a result to a recent work zone safety study done by the Association that reported 44 percent of highway contractors reporting that motor vehicles has crashed into their construction work zones.

"There is no meeting, email or text that is more important than the safety of workers or motorists," said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer for the association. "It is absolutely essential for every driver to slow down, pay attention and put the phone down while driving through highway work zones."

Sandherr said 25 percent of work zone crashes injure construction workers and 11 percent of those crashes kill them.

Work zone crashes also have a pronounced impact on construction schedules and costs. Those delays were often lengthy, as 52 percent of those project shutdowns lasted two or more days.

Association officials said that a majority of contractors report that motor vehicle crashes pose a greater risk today than they did just ten years ago.

The campaign features new radio ads that caution drivers to be careful in highway work zones. The ads warn drivers that speeding, texting and losing focus while in work zones aren't worth the "nightmare" of killing workers, drivers or passengers.

The work zone safety study was based on a nationwide survey of highway construction firms the association conducted in March and April of this year. Over 700 contractors completed the survey nationwide.