ESCANABA — Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The long weekend is also a busy time of community events that will have more people on the road.

Local law enforcement agencies remind motorists to drive safely this weekend.

Delta County Sheriff Ed Oswald said the sheer volume of traffic will increase the likelihood of traffic crashes, especially in regards to drinking and drug use while driving.

Dale Hongisto, community service trooper at the Michigan State Police Gladstone Post, said along with the holiday weekend, there will be more parties, which causes the potential of alcohol-related crashes to go up.

“So we need to make sure to designate a sober driver if you have been drinking, and be aware that there’s other drivers out there that could potentially have been drinking. I just think with the more traffic on the roads comes potential for more problems,” he said.

Oswald and Hongisto provided other pointers for drivers to reduce the risk for traffic crashes.

“Realize that with higher amount of traffic comes potential for more crashes and other potential incidents, like aggressive drivers — road rage,” said Hongisto.

Oswald said when out on the road, it is safest to move at the same pace as traffic. He explained chances of crashes increase when a vehicle is moving slower than the flow of traffic.

Hongisto said people should plan accordingly and allow extra time to get to destinations.

Planning your route before setting out is also important. Motorists should be aware of any festivities taking place, such as Rapid River’s parade on Memorial Day at 1 p.m.

According to Oswald, there are breaks during the parade to allow traffic through, but drivers still need to be courteous and slow down with all the pedestrians around.

Both Delta County deputies and Michigan State Police troopers will be fully staffed and out patrolling this weekend to make sure everyone remains safe.

Hongisto said troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, distracted drivers, drunk and drugged drivers, and making sure drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts.

“Our main goal is to get through the weekend without a serious traffic crash,” he said.