MADISON, Wis. -- Dane County officials announced on Monday that new traffic safety patrols will soon be hitting area streets.

The creation of a three-deputy traffic safety team was Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney's top priority in the budget that he asked of County Executive Kathleen Falk, WISC-TV reported.

Fifty-two deaths occurred last year on Dane County roads. Officials said that they hope the new traffic team will mirror the success of a similar program funded in 2005.

"The first traffic safety team we created a few years ago has worked," Falk said. "It has made a difference. Citizens have commented on that and asked us to do more so we're very pleased and know that these officers are going to save lives."

The cost of the new initiative is $380,000 for the deputies and necessary equipment. Traffic tickets will pay for some of it, officials said.