With roadways packed with vehicles this weekend, safe driving behaviors will continued to be emphasized by law enforcement.

Trooper Alex Dinkla with the Iowa State Patrol says anything impairing operators is dangerous for themselves and others, and is a key cause in an increasing death rate related to vehicle crashes.

“People that are driving impaired and people that are driving distracted are elevating that fatality number,” he says.

He encourages all who are on the state’s roadways to wear their seat belts as well to increase protection in case of an accident.

The Iowa State Patrol and local agencies will have extra officers out for enforcement through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend.