Monday’s fatal accident in Lyon County was the second KDOT worker killed along Kansas highways in the last two months.

Cars on Kansas highways often travel at speeds in excess of 70-miles-per-hour, even in construction zones, and if the driver is distracted, there's little margin for error.

24-year-old Shawn McDonald worked with this crew. In June, Shawn McDonald lost his life in when he was struck by a driver who'd lost control on Highway 75. Yesterday 46 year old Richard Cunningham of Emporia was killed when a KDOT dump truck and a semi-trailer hauling rock collided.

"The work never ends so you really have to do your job and grieve at the same time," Larry Rohr, KDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor, said.

KDOT officials say many of their construction zones are dangerous environments for workers.

"The number one rule out here is you don't turn your back on traffic," Gary Moulin, KDOT Highway Maintenance Superintendent, said.

"When you're standing next to a vehicle traveling 70 miles per hour and you're only two feet away, it's very dangerous," Rohr said.

Workers have to stay focused on completing the task at hand so they're asking drivers to take precautions around construction zones.

"Put yourself in the other person's shoes, in our workers' shoes and about that 80-thousand pound truck going by you at 70 miles per hour," Moulin said.

"Slow down, and pay attention," Rohr said.

Two simple instructions to follow behind the wheel so workers feel more at ease on the job.

"The vast majority are still running at 70-miles-per-hour, at those speeds, there's little room for error," Rohr said.

"I know sometimes it causes a delay but it's better for them and it's better for us because we don't want them hurt and we don't want our employees hurt," Moulin said.

A second worker was involved in Monday’s incident in Lyon County. 56-year-old Gary Burroughs of Emporia was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital. He is in critical condition.