State police are stepping up patrols again in highway construction zones.

“Operation Work Brake” begins Monday for five days along the New York State Thruway. Troopers will crack down on speeding motorists and aggressive driving in and around construction zones.

Motorists who speed, drive distracted, or are simply careless when traveling through a work zone pose a great safety risk to highway workers and other drivers.

According to government figures, 16 people were killed two years ago in work-zone crashes in New York state.

During the same campaign last year, State Police Troop T issued 2,028 tickets, more than 250 for speeding.

The clampdown is held three times a year.

(AP)