MOLINE, Illinois-- Law enforcement has their sights set on making work zones safer not only for people passing through, but for the ones whose jobs are to stay there.
"We are people too. We live here in the Quad Cities with you guys. We're trying to get in and out as fast as we can. We know it's a pain, but give us a little respect. Help us. Slow down," says Valley Construction Foreman Justin Seybold.
But that wasn't the case on Thursday right outside of Blue Grass, Iowa on Highway 61. Police say Willie Holley from Rock Island, a Valley Construction worker, was hit by a speeding car and killed on the job.
"They're insuring our roads are safe by making them structurally sound. We've got to insure the roads are safe by making sure those driving on those roads are doing what they're supposed to be doing," says Illinois State Police Trooper Jason Wilson.
From now until October, the Illinois State Police are putting an undercover trooper in construction zones to monitor drivers speeding or not paying attention. Police say the change in patrol style wasn't prompted by Thursday's fatal accident, but it makes it all the more important.
"Having the event localized where a construction worker who was just working to support his family was killed. That brings it home and humanizes it even more. It makes it easier for us to go out and write that citation we might have given a warning on," says Wilson.
And now law enforcement has a message they want all road workers to hear.
"For the construction workers, all I can say is keep up the good work. Keep doing what you're doing. Make our roads safer. We're very sorry for the loss of your coworker. As police, we completely understand. Get out there, and continue doing your job. Thank you for what you do," says Wilson.