Safe Travels For the Fourth of July

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Updated: 5:54 PM Jul 3, 2009 Safe Travels For the Fourth of July State Patrol to Be Extra Busy The Wisconsin State Patrol is taking steps to make sure that drivers are safe with the Fourth of July falling on a weekend. Posted: 3:57 PM Jul 3, 2009 Reporter: Ben Fischer Email Address: news@wsaw.com Safe Travels For the Fourth of July

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Traveling the roadways on the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times for law enforcement during the year.

Especially when the holiday falls on a weekend.

That's why officials with the Wisconsin State Patrol are doing everything they can to make sure families are safe as they venture the road ways.

Jeff Frenette, a Commander for the Wisconsin State Patrol, hopes people will take time to make sure their holiday is safe.

"It's preparation. Making sure that you've got everything you need for the trip. You're vehicle is prepared. But you're also prepared," said Frenette. "You are driving sober, buckling up, including yourself. Taking time. Enjoy the trip."

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation opened up road ways by closing work zones at around noon on Friday. The hope is that it will help the free flow of traffic over the busy weekend.

"Over the years, the department of transportation has recognized that on weekends, particularly holiday weekends, that it is important to get the most capacity on the roadway and opening it up from two lanes to four lanes allows for more volume," said Frenette.

Despite the road ways being more clear, he reminds people that they are responsible for how they drive.

"Our hope is that people will comply and then we don't have to educate them on the need to slow down and be safe," said Frenette.

The State Patrol reminds drivers and passengers to fasten their seatbelts, especially now that you can get pulled over for not wearing them.