The increased gas prices aren't stopping people from getting in one last holiday vacation before the school year begins.
AAA projects 33 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Labor Day weekend, an increase of nearly 3 percent from last year. That means the risk of getting into a crash is also higher.
To stay safe, the Wis. State Patrol says make sure to wear your seat belt and remain patient during congested traffic.
"Give yourself some extra time on the road," Sgt. Robert Hartson said. "Make sure your following distance is a little farther than normal, just because of the high volume of traffic that's out there. And slow your speeds down is a big deal."
Sgt. Hartson says cell phones and other electronics also contribute to the high rate of crashes.
"We will certainly have a lot of personnel out on the highway, extra patrols out on the weekend and on the holiday itself so that we have a presence out there, people slow down and we can assist people if they do need help," he said.
The National Safety Council estimates there will be more than 350 deaths and almost 20,000 injuries as a result of crashes. If you see a dangerous driver, don't hesitate to call law enforcement.
"When volumes are heavy like on the holiday weekends, it certainly increases the stress level, but we do have a job to do and that's what we're paid to be out there doing," Sgt. Hartson said. "And we do that."
