With every holiday weekend comes an increase in holiday traffic. State troopers will be out in full force through midnight Sunday, but they are there for your protection, not to ruin your holiday.

Corporal Brian Simerly with the Alabama State Troopers said, “We’re looking for speed and seatbelt violations, but any other traffic violation also, impaired drivers, following too close, failing to signal, failing to obey signs and traffic signals.”

Holiday travel has slowed nationally, thanks to the economy, but officials believe since Memorial Day weekend had rain, that many will be hitting the roads to reach the beach this Fourth of July.

“I think just given the nice weather right now and ya know the economy’s been down so it’s kind of hard to say what the traffic is going to be like, but I can already see a pick up in traffic,” Corporal Simerly said.

“We get a lot of out-of-state traffic going through Dothan this time of year, all of the major highways that converge inside the city limits are typically travelling to the beach. There is a big NASCAR race event going on in Daytona this weekend, so we’re seeing a bit of race traffic.”

Officials remind people to enjoy the holiday responsibly.

“Different people tolerate alcohol in different ways, if you drink two beers it may have a different effect on you than it does on someone who drinks regularly.” said Simerly.

Always remember to move over one lane when passing emergency vehicles with lights on. By following the rules of the road, you can safely cruise to your destination.

In 2008 there were 16 traffic related fatalities in Alabama during the 78 hour, 4th of July holiday travel period.