A horrific accident in Antwerp that killed five members of a Lawrence family make especially poignant a warning to motorists from the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program that they should always use caution and expect delays when traveling during construction season.

Six people were killed shortly after 9 a.m. when a tractor-trailer rear-ended a line of cars on State Route 11. Police say a 2012 Volvo tractor-trailer, driven by 45-year-old, James A. Mills Jr. of Myerstown, Penn., struck several vehicles from behind who were either slowing down or stopped in the construction zone just south of Dickson Road.

Killed were Laurie M. Dana, 42, Catelyn Dana, 14, Lauren Dana, 11, Janet Dana, 69 and Shannon Planty, 14, all from Lawrence, as well as Maryann D. Gregory, 59, Dickinson Center. State Department of Transportation employee Lewis L. Lottie Jr., 44, Nicholville, was listed in critical condition after being transported by helicopter to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for head and chest trauma.

The Traffic Safety Program is urging motorists to schedule extra travel time due to construction season.

To help avoid accidents, the program officials suggest checking the recently revamped “511NY” web site before travelling. The site has real time information on construction, weather, and other factors affecting roadway conditions.

Travelers can either check the web site, or register to receive information updates via smart phone app or social media sites. Remember, though, that it is against the law to use any hand-held electronic device while driving.

Drivers should dedicate their full attention to the road, so that they can react to factors such as lane reductions and changes in the regular speed limit. Motorists should obey signs and flaggers. Don’t wait until the last minute to merge when you notice a lane change. Observe all posted signs until you see the one that indicates that you have left the work zone.

Speeding is one of the most common factors in work zone crashes. Motorists should slow down and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In New York State, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

Keep in mind that workers and equipment are very close to the passing traffic. A momentary lapse in attention could cause you to drift in your lane and strike something or someone. Remember that since January 1, the “Move Over” law also applies to vehicles with flashing amber lights as well as to emergency vehicles. Drivers must exercise due caution and slow down well below the speed limit when traveling near these vehicles. Motorists must move away from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so due to traffic or other hazards.

When traffic backs up along a busy thoroughfare, drivers need to remember that it is illegal to block an intersection. Motorists must leave room so that other vehicles can enter or exit the road. The exception to this law is that a driver turning left may enter the intersection to wait to make the turn. However, the law allows only one vehicle at a time to enter the intersection for this purpose.

Most of all, the county traffic safety program advises, drivers should remain calm and patient. Workers are there to improve the roads and bridges to make your future drive better.