It is that time of year again for the highways and byways across the state to become congested with travelers anxious to visit with relatives and spend a day eating turkey.

Several law enforcement agencies have already started preparing for this heavy traffic in order to keep citizens safe from hazardous or drunk drivers.

In Selma, Police Chief Robert Green said his officers will be out in increased numbers during Thanksgiving weekend to watch for dangerous or illegal activities.

The police department is a member of the Central Highway Safety Office, an agency that is providing the funding for these extra patrols around the city.

According to Green, officers at these roadblocks will be checking for drunk drivers, passengers wearing seat belts, valid drivers licenses and proof of insurance.

Violators of the state’s seat belt law will receive a ticket.

This campaign is part of the nationwide Click It or Ticket crackdown taking place until Nov. 30.

No matter where drivers are headed this holiday, it is likely they will come across more law enforcement on patrol.

Thanksgiving is considered one of the most dangerous holidays for motorists.

TheNational Safety Council predicts that 544 people will die and 28,300 people will suffer injuries from traffic crashes across the country.

Green said this is why it is important for drivers to always wear their seat belts and make sure infants and children are properly restrained.