By RFD Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Wild temperature swings have created a bumper crop of potholes across the state’s highways.

For Illinois Department of Transportation workers, who attack the problem like a light infantry unit, there are clear dangers patching those potholes. Kelsea Gurski with the transportation agency says motorists should look out for patching crews, noting that you won’t have the benefit of the kind of barricades and other warnings tied to construction work zones.

“These are smaller operations that what you would consider for a traditional work zone, but it absolutely should be treated in the same manner as any work zone you would encounter,” Gurski said. “Pay attention to the lights, to the signs, really watch for those workers, slow down, don’t have any distractions, and if possible, move over to give them plenty of room to do their jobs.”

Last week in Jacksonville, three IDOT workers were injured when a wayward driver struck an IDOT worker and an IDOT vehicle with two employees inside. The worker struck outside the vehicle was in critical condition but has since been upgraded to fair.