NATCHEZ — Law enforcement and safety officials are reminding residents to enjoy Memorial Day responsibly and that they will be on the lookout for those who do not behave.

With the expected increase in road traffic, local police and sheriff’s deputies will up their game, though they said the best way for residents to stay safe is to obey basic safety principles.

“Just be safe and watch out for the other drivers that might not be watching out for you,” Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation reported that approximately 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, up 5 percent from last year. MDOT encouraged all drivers this weekend to obey all speed limits and signs, always wear a seat belt, avoid driving under the influence and only use cell phones for emergencies.

Primarily, law enforcement will be clamping down on drunk driving. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will bring in some “extra manpower” for the holiday, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said, while Natchez Police and the Mississippi Highway Patrol also are preparing to handle the extra workload over the holiday.

“We encourage the motoring public to, of course, refrain from anything that will impair their ability to effectively operate their vehicle,” Armstrong said. “But at the same time, be aware that not everybody is going to adhere to safe driving practices.”

Instead, those who do plan on drinking during their celebration should plan accordingly, Patten said. He noted that the city has alternatives for those who will not have a designated driver.

“We even have two taxis within the city limits now that (people) can use,” Patten said.

Aside from being safe on the road, Patten reminded residents also to exercise caution on the water, too.

“Just remember, if they decide to go boating, there are laws on the water as well,” Patten said.

Mississippi and Louisiana boating laws are available on the websites of the state’s respective departments of wildlife and fisheries.

For tips about how to drive more safely on Missisisippi roadways, visit Go.MDOT.com/DriveSmartMS.