The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced it plans to increase troopers on roadways this Memorial Day weekend.

“Throughout the holiday weekend, troopers within Troop H and throughout the state will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort),” said Capt. James McDonald, commanding officer with Troop H in St. Joseph. “This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.”

He said it’s meant to try and reduce the number and severity of traffic crashed.

In addition to Operation C.A.R.E., Troop H will also be participating in the statewide 20-Mile Trooper project during the peak travel periods on Friday, May 22, and Monday, May 25.

During this operation, troopers will be assigned to 20-mile stretches of Interstate 29.

Enforcement efforts on secondary roads will be conducted during the same timeframe within Troop H.

This year’s Memorial Day weekend counting period is from 6 p.m., on Friday, May 22, 2015, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2015.

“Memorial Day is the first major travel holiday of the year and the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges motorists to wear their seat belts and never drink and drive,” McDonald said. “The Highway Patrol wants everyone to have a safe Memorial Day weekend.”