PARKERSBURG - Law enforcement agencies are preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend.
With around 30.7 million Americans driving more than 50 miles on holiday trips this weekend, police will be looking for the usual violations, including speeding, seat belt violations and DUIs.
Automobile travel will account for 88 percent of total travel this weekend.
According to AAA projections, there will 400,000 more drivers on the roads this year, up by 1.2 percent from Memorial Day last year.
Parkersburg Police Department will have extra officers out on grant-funded overtime this weekend who will focus on enforcing traffic laws.
"Our goal is to make it to Tuesday morning without any deaths or serious injuries on our roads," said Sgt. Greg Collins, spokesman for the Parkersburg Police Department.
Fact Box
Holiday Patrol
Extra police officers will be out this weekend looking for traffic violations.
Officers remind drivers to never get behind the wheel while intoxicated and to avoid distractions such as texting while driving.
30.7 million Americans will be driving more than 50 miles on holiday trips over Memorial Day weekend.
The national Click It or Ticket safety initiative will be in full swing.
"We'll be looking for people who aren't buckled up, and we will be especially vigilant looking for children who are not restrained and protected properly in vehicles," he said.
Alcohol is always a concern during holiday weekends, when people throw outdoor parties or take out their boats for the first time this summer.
"We hope everyone stays responsible and does not get behind the wheel of their vehicle or boat when they've been drinking," said Collins. "With the weather shaping up like it is, we expect a lot of people will be outdoors."
Other dangers on the road include texting while driving and other distractions.
"Distracted driving on a crowded road is a recipe for disaster," he said. "Don't text or email while driving. Whatever is happening on your phone can wait until you've stopped your vehicle."
Distracted driving is not limited to cellphone use, but also includes eating and drinking, reading maps or using a GPS system, or adjusting the radio. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, drivers who use handheld devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
With more police on the road, drivers will likely encounter more emergency vehicles.
"Keep your eye out for officers, and remember it is state law to slow down and move over if possible when you come upon an emergency vehicle on the roadside," he said.
