BEATRICE, Neb. - After a recent spike in accidents near construction zones, a police department in southeast Nebraska is encouraging motorists to use caution. 

In a post on social media,  the Beatrice Police Department said first responders were sent to two separate vehicle accidents around construction work zones on July 28. BPD Chief Jay Murphy says this often happens due to confusion by the motorist, therefore, he suggests avoiding distracted driving. 

"It kind of depends on where the cones and barricades are set up - do you have to go to the left lane, the right lane?" Muprhy said. "People sometimes get a little confused and that causes the accidents."

Two notable construction projects in the city include improvements to Fourth and Fifth streets in downtown Beatrice and a long strecth of Highway 77, both north and south. 

Accidents in work zones pose several dangers to workers and can lead to severe penalties for the motorist. In addition, Murphy says it provides an added layer of difficulty for officers when responding to the crash, especially if a vehicle is unmovable. 

"Obviously, the road is already narrowed or partially closed, so there's no driving around the accident," Murphy said. "It would probably take more officers to help shut off the intersection."