OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's a symbol of remembrance for thousands of people who died on Oklahoma's roadways, but transportation officials said Monday that a series of small white crosses spread along the highway might be causing more of a distraction for drivers.

The crosses, which have been placed across the state, were put up by the group Oklahomans For Safe Bridges and Roads. Members said they want to get attention for their cause of improving state bridges and roads -- but added that they might now be getting the wrong kind of attention.

More than 3,000 of the crosses have been placed across Oklahoma -- one for each person killed over the past seven years because of accidents related to road conditions. The group's spokeswoman, Crystal Drwenski, said the danger of driving on Oklahoma's roads is only growing.

"We can't afford to wait to address it any longer because it is at such a critical point," Drwenski said.

Drwenski and her organization are campaigning for State Question 723, which seeks an increase in the state's fuel taxes. If passed by voters on Sept. 13, the proposal is expected to raise $344 million to fix state bridges and roads.

Supporters of the measure claim it would cost Oklahoma driver about a dollar a month beginning in 2006. The cost would increase to $2 per month in 2007 and would peak at $2.50 per month in 2008.

"What voters need to know is that this is an opportunity for Oklahomans to correct 84 years of neglect and underfunding to our roads and bridges," Drwenski said. "We do hope it raises awareness because it is such a serious issue. We have an $8 billion backlog in needed road repairs and bridge replacements in the state."

Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials might find the group's cause comforting -- but they don't approve of the crosses.

Agency spokeswoman Terri Angier said the crosses could be attracting too much attention by distracting drivers. In addition, it is illegal in Oklahoma to place anything between the roadway and fence, she said.

Although the agency will occasionally allow one cross for a memorial, Angier said thousands of crosses is simply too many.

"It was a surprise to us, much like the public, and it got our attention just like the public," Angier said. "And we're going to follow the rules to take care of the situation."

Even though the group is trying to raise money for roads, Angier said ODOT is required to put the brakes on the crosses.

"Our only interest in this is that it's in our right of way and shouldn't be there," Angier said.

ODOT officials said they will be contacting the group and will give them a few days to pull the crosses from state highways. Members of Oklahomans for Safe Bridges and Roads said they will leave the crosses up as long as possible but will work with ODOT to make sure they are following the law.