Beware of people, not just construction vehicles, in highway work zones

"He was a hard worker. He was the only one who would plow the Buttes des Morte Bridge," she said.

But while performing maintenance along U.S. 41 in 2006 Melhorn and co-worker Marc Neumeyer were struck and killed by a semi. Today, at the memorial to both men, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb kicked off "Work Zone Awareness Week" and urged drivers to use common sense.

"When you get into that work zone, pay attention to the work zone speed limits, put down the cup of coffee or sandwich, put down the cell phone, concentrate on what you're doing. Put both hands on the steering wheel," he said.

Sheriff's deputies who patrol the work zones hope drivers learn to slow down. But a few never get the message.

"I've actually heard officers that have contacted the court to advise them that the client was going to be late because they were receiving another citation," said Winnebago County Sheriff's Deputy Tom Makurat.

And the Melhorn and Neumeyer families say when you drive through construction zones remember what high speeds and reckless driving have cost them

"If something like this happened to them, maybe they'd stop and think," said Susan Tiffany. "He left behind a grandson. He left behind a son and my mother."