SALT LAKE CITY – As hundreds of Utah families celebrate Independence Day, the Utah Highway Patrol hopes to provide greater safety as well.

This holiday weekend, police officers will be working overtime in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.

“We are currently conducting a blitz, which means additional officers are being deployed on the highways specifically to look for drunk drivers,” said Sergeant Stanton Tucker of UHP.

Tucker said police officers are trained to stop and intercept these drivers, which also puts their lives at risk.

“The most important thing you can do for your own safety is not to drive while drunk, to get a ride or to wait,” he said.

Police will also be keeping an eye out for tired drivers who may be on the road this weekend. “Similar to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, tired driving is just as dangerous.

One of the main factors that confront police in terms of accidents and fatalities on a holiday weekend is speed.

“Many people travel to many different places and it is important that you take your time to get to your destination.”

No matter where you go, UHP wants Utah families to come home safely.

“The holiday weekend should be fun for everyone, right? So there are things you can do to make it even more enjoyable,” he said.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911, according to the UHP.