Midlands drivers can expect more police on the roads, traffic checkpoints

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is a favorite time to get together with family and friends, cook out and , for those inclined, drink copious amounts of booze.

Local law enforcement knows it and will be out enforce this weekend in an effort to keep impaired drivers off the roads.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced increased enforcement over the holiday weekend.

The Columbia police department announced plans for increased patrols and diligent DUI and speeding enforcement starting Friday July 3. Areas getting special attention are determined by a history of speeding, accidents and DUI arrest, police chief Skip Holbrook said.

Drivers entering safety checkpoints must stop. Officers will check for a valid drivers license, possible impairment, seatbelt use, proper child restrains when appropriate and any visible violations of the law.

Already this year, more people have died on state roadways than in 2014, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety said.

As of July 1, 435 people have been killed on the highways compared to 381 people last year. Through midnight July 1, 48 pedestrians, 57 motorcyclists and eight bicyclists have died on state roads and highways.