By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Motorists are once again expected to pack the nation’s highways this Memorial Day weekend, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be ramping up its efforts to keep Kansas roads safe.

The patrol is working additional hours now through the end of May thanks to funding through the Special Traffic Enforcement Program or STEP campaign.

Trooper Tod Hileman said this year’s focus of the STEP campaign is “Click It. Or Ticket.” Hileman said they will be looking for people who are not buckled up.

“We are being told to tune in and focus more on seatbelts this period,” but Hileman said, “that doesn’t keep us from looking for other violation.”

Hileman also said if you are planning to travel this weekend plan for extra time on the road because the highways will be busy.

“Be more alert, you’re going to have those people who are crazy drivers who are weaving in and out and driving way to fast,” said Hileman.

He also reminded drivers to make sure their vehicles are prepared for the trip.

With the threat of severe weather Hileman said keeping checking the weather forecast and check road conditions at http://511.ksdot.org/KanRoadPublic/Default.aspx.