The snow is gone, the temperature is warming up and you have three days off!

Wouldn't it be a shame to spoil all that good news by being involved in a traffic, ATV or boating accident during the Victoria Day long weekend? 

The long weekend in May is the start of summer in a lot of people's minds as they break out the trailers, motorhomes or tents and head for the mountains on a camping mission.  Often people are in a hurry to reach their destination and following an RV can be a daunting task.

Constable Mike Hibbs of RCMP Traffic Services says there is one trait that the force hopes everyone has this weekend.  "The big thing is, be patient," says Hibbs. "There's going to be lots of vehicles on the highway and this is the weekend we introduce all the RVs and trailers on the highway.  Keep your speeds down and get to your destination safely."

Hibbs says if you try to set out on your trip a little early it just might counteract the traffic you'll be facing. 

As Victoria Day is the chance for people to shake off the effects of the long winter it might also be a time to celebrate a little too hard.  Hibbs says there's nothing wrong with having a few cold ones, just don't plan to get behind the wheel after you have, and that includes more wheels than just the one on your car or truck.  

"A lot of people get out and they're meeting old friends for the first time of the year and they indulge a little bit in celebration and there's nothing wrong with that just don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle and that includes a boat or a quad or motorcycle or whatever you're driving at the time.  We're going to be out in the weekend in full force setting up Check Stops in various areas so we'll be keeping an eye out for that."

RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs will have an increased presence on the roads this weekend and so will Provincial Enforcement Officers.  More than 300 will be patrolling Alberta parks, public lands, and protected areas this spring and summer to make sure everyone follows the rules for camping and enjoying public lands.  

Hibbs also says they'll be watching for speeders and drivers who are distracted over the weekend.  

And, getting back to people pulling trailers on Alberta roads, Hibbs says at the beginning of the camping season the RCMP always puts out a reminder to make sure your hook up is done properly.

"If you're towing a trailer for the first time of the year, make sure your trailer hitches and hookups for your vehicle are all in safe order.  You don't want anything to break loose.  Also, make sure you have your documents.  I always tell people if you're travelling with a trailer and you're stopped at a Check Stop or for some other reason have your documents in your main vehicle, in your truck or your car that you're towing the trailer with rather than have to get out and go to your trailer and grab your documents.  We don't want people getting out of the vehicles, just for safety reasons."

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