As spring weather hits and road construction resumes New York Department of Motor Vehicles is asking motorists to be mindful of work zones.

The department is offering the following tips to make roads safer for workers:

• Highway agencies use a variety of ways to inform motorists about the location and duration of major work zones. Often, the agencies will suggest a detour to help drivers avoid the work zone entirely. Plan ahead, and consider using an alternate route.

• Pay attention to the signs and flaggers. In a work zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

• When signs warn you to merge, move to the appropriate lane as soon as possible.

• Keep a safe braking distance from other cars. Also, keep a safe distance between traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.

• Some work zones are mobile, such as line painting, road patching and mowing. Workers may be nearby even if they aren't immediately visible near the warning signs. Obey the signs until passing the one that identifies the end of a work zone.

• Speeding fines are double in work zones.

• The “Move Over Law” that requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles also applies to vehicles with amber flashing lights. Remember, highway workers want to return home safely after each day’s work.

• Stay calm. Work zones are necessary to improve the roads for everyone.