RCMP, in partnership with the Integrated Traffic Unit, will be out in droves this long weekend to increase safety on congested highways.

Sergeant Dave Hardy, Cochrane Integrated Traffic Unit, says heading out on the highways over a long weekend increases the risk of being involved in a collision.

"Holiday long weekends are a priority for the integrated traffic units in Alberta," he says. "Our Provincial collision data indicates that driving on holiday long weekends presents a greater exposure risk to be involved in serious motor vehicle collisions."

Hardy shares Integrated Traffic Units will be targeting the main causes of serious collision this weekend; aggressive driving, high speeds, impaired driving, non use of seatbelts, and distracted driving.

If you're heading west, keep in mind that there will be high volumes of traffic and leave some extra time to get to your destination.

"Highway 1 will be very busy, Highway 1A will also see increased traffic as well. In the end both highways will have high volumes of traffic on them, so leave early, give some time, relax, and enjoy the nice weather that's forecasted."

Construction on Highway 1 will be paused for the long weekend, and will resume on Tuesday, July 5.

The Cochrane RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit wishes everyone safe travels and and an enjoyable long weekend.

If someone is driving erratically or you suspect an impaired driver, pull over to a safe area, and call 911.