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LA PLATA, MO. -- With the long holiday weekend approaching, expect to see more state troopers on the roads.

On one of its busiest weekends of the year, The Missouri State Highway Patrol is going to be out in full force this 4th of July.

It’s all part of their Operation C.A.R.E. program to help make sure everyone arrives alive to their final destination.

“Our big concern is making sure that people get to their destination safely.” Said Sgt. Brent Bernhard of The Missouri Highway Patrol. “Last year over the same holiday period, 13 people were killed and 472 people were injured in the state of Missouri in traffic crashes. So there's no doubt that this weekend is one that is very much a concern of ours.”

The Patrol will also be doing a 20 mile trooper program on major highways across The Show Me State to help motorists with roadside assistance as well.

“The main reason why we do the 20 mile trooper program is we select main corridors in an effort to get extra troopers out in those areas to help motors should they have some type of problem while traveling or obviously to step up our enforcement efforts in those areas. Our big concerns on the holiday period are the same throughout the year. Inattention, speeding, drinking and driving; our troopers are going to be out in full force making sure that people are following Missouri laws.”

The Patrol always to remind travelers this weekend to fasten your seat belts, follow speed limits, and make sure you have a designated sober driver if you’re making alcohol part of your Independence Day celebrations.

“During this time of year, a lot of celebrations include alcohol. We know that many people might be participating in those types of activities. We want to encourage folks whether they're out on the waterway or planning on traveling on the roadway that if they are going to be drinking, that they should choose a sober designated driver.”

For more information on how to keep your family safe while traveling this holiday weekend, head to http://notes.mshp.dps.mo.gov/si01/si01p001.nsf/9300de8f24f618a68625729800536892/37210e4955247095862578bf00585650?OpenDocument