Local law enforcement agencies will be looking for signs of impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Information Officer Chase Elkins said troopers will be on patrol during the holiday and will arrest anyone who is caught driving while impaired.

Elkins said violations of careless driving and seatbelt use will also be enforced during that time.

“We encourage drivers to find a designated driver, make sure to buckle up and slow down due to the increased traffic that we expect for any holiday period,” Elkins said.

Capt. Joe Quave with the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department said agencies expect an increase in social gatherings during the holiday. Checkpoints will be set up where deputies will be looking for signs of impaired driving, equipment violations and invalid driver’s licenses.

Quave recommends motorists refrain from texting and driving or engaging in any other form of distracted driving while on the road. He encourages anyone who plans to drink alcoholic beverages to find a designated driver or stay where they are.

“Don’t risk your safety and the safety of anyone else while drinking and driving,” he said.

Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby said officers from his department will be on patrol during the Fourth of July holiday.