With construction season in Madison and Dane County already underway and more to come as the weather turns, county and city officials are warning residents of work zone safety precautions.

To ensure motorists are conscious of necessary precautions to take while driving in construction zones, the Federal Highway Administration declared this week “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.”

“The long awaited arrival of spring means plenty of our hardworking men and women are out patching potholes and trying to make our roads safer,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said in the statement.

Falk said she hopes drivers slow down to give construction workers enough space to finish their work safely.

Work zone incidents have been on the rise recently, said Elise Schaeffer, public information officer for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. On average, more than 1,700 work zone accidents occur each year with 12 fatalities in Wisconsin, according to the county.

In honor of construction workers who have lost their lives in roadway work zones, the dome of the Capitol building was illuminated with orange lights Tuesday.

Schaeffer said the sheriff will provide more enforcement in construction areas whenever possible.

“There can’t always be somebody there, but as much as we possibly can, we’ll get into those areas and make sure people are following the laws,” Schaeffer said.

According to a statement from Dane County, Wisconsin law requires motorists to slow down when they pass emergency vehicles or tow trucks parked on the side of the road with their emergency lights on.

The law, dubbed “Move Over Law,” also requires motorists on multi-lane highways to move to the lane farthest from highway construction.

Schaeffer said the fine for not moving over or slowing down is $243. Speeding violation fines also double in construction zones.

“If you can take an alternate route that might be your best option (to avoid work zones),” Schaeffer added.

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Safe Communities, will also kick off a campaign next week to remind motorists to slow down. Dane County residents are invited to stick signs reading “Slow Down, Watch for Kids” in their front lawns, according to a statement from the sheriff.