As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, law enforcement officers are encouraging holiday travelers to take caution during their travels.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency dubbed the official holiday traveling period from 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, to midnight Monday, May 25.

Alabama State Troopers assigned to the Highway Patrol and Marine Patrol Divisions will work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence and to promote public safety through midnight Monday, May 31.

Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said the goal through Memorial Day weekend was to reduce injuries and deaths by teaming up to serve and protect the citizens of Alabama, especially during the extended holiday weekend when heavier-than-usual traffic is likely.

“Troopers will engage in routine patrols and be available to assist motorists,” Collier said. “Whether you are celebrating summer at home or at the lake or beach, we ask that you work with us to ensure everyone arrives safely.”

Lt. Bryan Weed, the public information officer from Troy Police Department, said the Troy Police Officers would also be patrolling during the busy holiday weekend.

Both State Troopers and Troy officers are most concerned about the use of seatbelts during this time period, Weed said Troy would have no exceptions for people not wearing their seatbelts or driving under the influence of alcohol.

“First we would hope that everybody wears their seatbelt while they are traveling,” Weed said. “We also encourage people going out of town for the holiday and celebrating the day to not drink and drive. Always make sure you have a designated driver. With Troopers being out in full-force with extra troopers, people need to always give themselves plenty of time to get to their destination.”

Weed said it was also a good idea for those traveling at night to let someone know when they leave heading toward their destinations.

“Traveling at night you see a larger volume of fatality wrecks,” Weed said. “It’s always something that I ask people to do for my peace of mind. Get people to tell you when they leave. You’ll know if they’re running late and can check on them if you need. I think that’s a good idea no matter what, be it a holiday season or any time. It’s just a fact of life in these days and times. Bad things happen to good people.”

Collier said Troopers would also target dangerous behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving behaviors that cause crashes and contribute to more severe crashes.

The expanded enforcement initiative is made possible by grants provided by the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Collier cited ALDOT and ADECA as valuable partners in the state’s traffic safety efforts.

Collier said the Troopers would still need the public’s support of their efforts during the busy weekend.

“We also need the public’s support. We simply request citizens of Alabama help us make the most of this holiday weekend and summer,” Collier said. “Our safety campaign is not about raising revenue. It’s about saving lives.”