Motorists traveling on Kentucky's roadways during the upcoming July 4th weekend are advised to use extreme care by Kentucky State Police officials. Increased traffic is expected throughout the holiday period, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, July t and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

As part of Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and the 100 Days of Summer Heat campaign, KSP will be enhancing its enforcement activities with an increased presence in high crash locations throughout the state. Extra patrols are planned around recreational areas, lakes and boat ramps. For maximum coverage, troopers will also partner with local police and sheriff's departments in conducting strategically located traffic safety checkpoints.

"Nationally, the Fourth of July holiday and weekend has become one of the deadliest times of the year due to impaired driving," says KSP Commissioner Mark Miller. "Last year, a total of nine people died on Kentucky roadways during the holiday period. Alcohol was a suspected factor in three of those crashes and only one of the nine victims was wearing a seat belt."

A large number of these deaths could have been prevented if motorists practiced basic defensive driving skills such as obeying speed limits, using seat belts and not driving while impaired.

"Unfortunately, impaired driving tends to increase during holiday periods," explains Miller. "It continues to be the most frequently committed violent crime in the U.S. Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired. Even first time offenders face immediate arrest. We want to take potential killers off the roadways."

"There will be no warnings or second chances," he adds. "Arrest and conviction on impaired driving violations can result in court costs, legal fees, higher auto insurance rates, fines, loss of license and even imprisonment. The consequences of impaired driving are serious and real. Don't take the chance, it's not worth it."

According to KSP Lt. Eric Walker, commander of the Governor's Highway Safety Program, impaired driving is no accident. It is a crime that kills.

"Impaired drivers are more likely to exceed the speed limit and less likely to wear seat belts, so the resulting crashes and injuries are often more severe and damaging," he says. "Driving after drinking is a choice. Make the right and the safe choice: find alternate transportation, use a designated driver or don't consume any amount of alcohol if you intend or need to drive."

Walker offers these additional driving tips for safe holiday travel: