3-car crash in cone zone near Willmar

Three cars collided in a work zone on Highway 12 between Willmar and Pennock on Friday morning, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Spokesperson Judy Jacobs said no one was injured -- the flagger was able to jump out of the way before the cars crashed.

Jacobs said it's the fourth accident this construction season in MnDOT District 8, which covers southwest and west-central Minnesota. Usually there's just one accident a season.

"We're seeing a lot distracted drivers, people not paying attention, followed by that it's people not slowing down," Jacobs said. "Our message in everything we get out is to advise people to slow down and expect delays."

Under a new law passed this year, motorists speeding in a work zone will get an automatic $300 fine on top of the standard traffic ticket.