Chances are, if you are out on the road this weekend, you can expect to see a lot more of the boys in blue. With the Memorial Day weekend set to officially kick-off today, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee State police are stepping up patrol on the roads.

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of the summer for many people. Kentucky State Police plan to intensify traffic safety efforts starting around 6 p.m. today through Monday. Tennessee and Virginia State police are also starting their efforts around the same time.

All agencies offer simple advice to those taking traveling this weekend; slow down, buckle up and don't drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

According to KSP Commissioner Mark. L. Miller, Kentucky had 993 accidents on Memorial Day weekend in 2004, leaving 16 dead and 378 injured.

In Tennessee, law enforcement is launching 'Stay Alive in 05' as part of their efforts to reduce highway fatalities in the state to 10 percent by 2009.

"More than 1,000 Tennesseans lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes last year," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips in a recent press release. "Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest holidays of the summer season. We hope the joint efforts of law enforcement officers statewide will make the roads safer this year."

Tennessee lost 13 lives in accidents on their roads during last year's Memorial Day holiday. The state's deadliest Memorial Day weekend was in 1973, when 26 people were killed in traffic crashes.

"Don't let a vehicle crash ruin your Memorial Day plans," said Colonel W. Steve Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. "I encourage everyone to obey posted speeds, never drink and drive, avoid distractions and buckle up - every trip, every time."

Virginia is among many states who will be joining up with local law enforcement to insure a safe holiday. One of the major things the VSP will be looking for is to see if you have buckled up.

In 2004, 11 people died in Virginia as result of traffic crashes during the holiday weekend. Reckless driving was listed as a factor in 8 of those fatal crashes. Of the 9 victims required to wear safety belts, only two were buckled up at the time of the accident. Two of the victims were on motorcycles.

No matter where you travel in the tri-state area this weekend, police and local law enforcement will have increased saturation patrols, traffic safety checkpoints in high crash/high traffic locations, radar and laser details and coordinated enforcement activities.

Motorists should take note that state laws require them to slow down and use caution when they see a law enforcement or emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road with its lights flashing. They must also move over to the lane farthest away from the vehicle if they are on a two-lane road and can do so safely.

Both KSP and VSP will also be participating in All American Buckle Up Week, which runs from May 23 through May 30.

"These various campaigns and programs help give KSP added resources to boost our enforcement efforts and save lives," explains Miller.

Kentucky law requires all children 40 inches in height or less to be buckled into a child safety restraint seat that meets federal standards. Children over 40 inches tall must wear a seat belt. Violation of this law will result in a $50.00 fine with an additional $10.00 fine donated to the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund.

"Protecting yourself, your children and your passengers is your responsibility and it's law enforcement's duty," says Miller.

Motorists should also be aware that Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 will result in an immediate arrest even for first time offenders.

"Impairment often begins with the first drink," says Miller. "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. Don't take the chance, it's not worth it."