As Georgia travelers prepare for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to make safety a top priority.

The holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, and continues through midnight Monday, May 25. During that 78-hour period, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will increase patrols statewide, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.

DPS officials say Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season and is historically one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

During last year’s Memorial Day holiday period, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 331 crashes, which resulted in 120 injuries and six deaths. Troopers and CVE officers also arrested 400 people for DUI.

DPS Commissioner Colonel William W. Hitchens III said Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country, while also reminding drivers to celebrate responsibly and safely.

Motorists are encouraged to never drive impaired, avoid distractions, wear seat belts, properly restrain children, obey speed limits, allow extra travel time, and move over for emergency vehicles and roadside workers.

AAA projects 39.1 million people will travel by car over the Memorial Day weekend. According to INRIX, some of the heaviest travel times are expected Thursday afternoon and evening, Friday from late morning through evening, and Monday afternoon.