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OTTUMWA -- According to AAA, 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving.

That's an increase of 4 percent from last year with 38.2 million driving for the American tradition.  The Wapello County sheriff's department will be out watching the roads reminding drivers to remain safe Wednesday evening with extra deputies on duty.  This week is no typical night for patrolling.

“Typically there’s usually two (deputies) sometimes three,” said Sheriff Don Kirkendall.  “We will have at least three out (Wednesday) evening if not four.”

This is all part of Iowa’s Special Traffic Enforcement Program or sTEP.  All law enforcement agencies will be patrolling the roadways more.

"The night before Thanksgiving is the heaviest traffic night of the year, so we will have officers out patrolling the roads.  Our main objective is to just get people to slow down, drive the speed limit and operate the vehicles in a safe manner."

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, as of Monday, there have been 309 fatalities reported on Iowa roads in 2011.  Be sure to take your time when getting to your Thanksgiving destination.