Throughout this long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, which will be one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol will be focusing its efforts on driving behaviors that can lead to crashes.

In 2013, 13 people were killed in 10 separate crashes during the Thanksgiving weekend on state and federal highways in Arizona; of those crashes three involved impaired drivers.

DPS will be vigilant in trying to prevent these types of crashes from happening but is asking the public for help. Motorists should take steps to ensure they and their family is safe while driving before hitting the road.

*Do not consume alcohol or other drugs that can cause impairment.

*Get plenty of rest.

*Check tires for proper inflation and sufficient tread.

*Avoid distracted driving; texting, checking emails, etc.

*Always wear your seatbelt.

*Do not drive aggressively or become impatient with other motorists.

Should you suspect that someone is impaired while driving, call 911.

Helping ensure that families make it to their destination safely is the main goal of the Highway Patrol and officers will take that responsibility seriously.