RALEIGH, N.C. — State troopers are stepping up patrols in the wake of recent accidents in construction workzones on Interstate 40.

On Monday, a

seven-car pile-up

caused minor injuries, but major gridlock. On July 12, six cars were crunched in a chain-reaction accident. On July 9, a

tractor-trailer

plowed through several cars, killing a man.

"Most of the collisions that are occurring in these workzones are all avoidable if the motorist had been paying attention to what they were doing by obeying the speed laws," said Sgt. Everett Clendenin, of the state Highway Patrol.

Troopers say motorists will see even more action in the workzone next week. On Monday, they plan to add motorcycle patrols.