State troopers will be especially busy this holiday season, and for good reason.

With stressed-out holiday travelers taking to the roads, extra enforcement efforts make sense. This year, troopers plan to target Hwy. 49 but that doesn’t mean you’re out of their watchful eyes on other highways.

“This high visibility safety initiative is designed to ensure safe holiday travel for motorists and combat reckless driving along with speeding and distracted driving issues,” Capt. Johnny Poulos said.

“They’re pulling troopers out of other districts,” said Cpl. Brandon Fortenberry, who regularly patrols in Lincoln County. His district, though, won’t be leaving this area, and they’ll be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding or distracted on Lincoln County highways and I-55.

“With the anticipation of heavy holiday traffic, all available manpower will also be utilized on all state, federal, and interstate systems,” Poulos said.

We’ve all felt the urge to speed. Maybe we’re late for a meeting or church or just in a hurry to get home at the end of the day. But speed kills.

“Plan ahead,” Poulos said. “Don’t be in a rush. Safety checkpoints will be conducted by troopers in order to enforce child restraint and seatbelt laws while also removing impaired drivers. We urge motorists who are preparing to travel on the roadways to allow sufficient travel time and include safe driving as part of their plan.”

That’s good advice that will not only keep you safe, but other motorists as well.