With the Fourth of July holiday in full swing, law enforcement across the state will be on a higher alert for drivers not following the rules of the road, and Opp Chief of Police Mike McDonald says his officers are putting a special emphasis on safety.

“During the Fourth of July Holiday period in 2012, 179 people died as a result of traffic crashes,” McDonald stated in press release. “These deaths were caused by drivers operating vehicles while under the influence, speeding, following too closely, passing in no passing zones and, in many cases, not wearing seatbelts.”

McDonald said this weekend’s holiday will bring many people to and from Opp, as well as through town as drivers travel to and from Florida beaches, adding U.S. Hwy. 331, U.S. Hwy. 84 and Alabama Hwy. 299 will be among the most heavily traveled roadways.

“The members of the Opp Police Department do not want you to become a statistic,” he said. “We want you to arrive without incident to whatever destination that you are driving to, whether it is the store here locally or the beach.”

McDonald said drivers should remember to follow basic rules over the weekend, including:

• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or medications;

• Drive the speed limit;

• When approaching an intersection that is posted by a stop sign or traffic light, come to a complete stop and check both ways before entering the intersection;

• Remember most traffic on major highways will be traveling at 65 miles per hour or faster and that there is little time or ability to take evasive action if it is needed; and

• Always wear a seatbelt and utilize proper child restraints.