The Michigan State Police has extra patrols on the roads watching for traffic violations this Memorial Day weekend.
Troopers are looking for drunk driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations.
Lieutenant Mike Shaw says Michigan has seen an increase in the rate of fatal accidents since the pandemic began.
“We've seen a lot of increased speeds," Shaw said. "And we're not talking about just a couple miles over the speed limit. We're talking triple digits by some drivers out there".
Shaw advised that motorists should avoid driving distracted, pay attention to the road, and take breaks during long drives.
“Also wear those seatbelts," Shaw said. "For some reason seatbelt use kind of dropped over the pandemic time where people haven't been wearing their seatbelt as much as they should".
The MSP is also dispatching additional troopers to Belle Isle this holiday weekend, as the agency is responsible for law enforcement in the state park. Shaw says the island is a popular destination for Detroiters during Memorial Day weekend.
“We'll make sure we have troopers out there, both in cars and motorcycles," Shaw said. "This year, we'll have members of our bicycle team up there as well".
Shaw says the number of violations during holiday weekends varies from year to year, and that the spring “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period lasts through June 6th.