TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Police are warning you to be alert as we head into the holiday weekend with AAA expecting the busiest start-of-the-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

You’ll want to plan your route and be patient because highways and airports will likely be packed.

AAA estimates that 43.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday. When it comes to road travel specifically, AAA expects the holiday weekend to set a new record with 38.4 million people hitting the road. AAA started tracking Memorial Day travel patterns in 2000.

WTHI-TV spoke with Sgt. Matt Ames of the Indiana State Police. In the Hoosier state, Memorial Day weekend brings the Indianapolis 500 which Sgt. Ames says will bring 300,000 people to the Indianapolis area.

The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols Friday through Monday.

“Those officers will be looking for people who are driving while distracted, people who are not buckled up, people who are driving aggressively, and of course, we’re going to be looking for all of the intoxicated motorists out there,” said Sgt. Ames

Police encourage drivers to call 911 if they come across someone who may be driving while impaired.

Sgt. Ames says it’s best to plan and know your route, including any construction along the way. He suggests staying up to date with Indiana’s Traffic Wise site and social media.