EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Memorial day weekend is expected to be one of the busier weekends for travel this year.

AAA is expecting nearly 44 million people across the country to be traveling by airplane or car.

Indiana State Police are also expecting an influx of travelers locally.

ISP Sgt. Todd Ringle described some safety tips for people to use.

These include making sure your seat belt is buckled at all times while you’re driving.

Passengers should also be buckled to ensure safety for everyone in the vehicle.

Another tip, focuses on severe weather.

In the Tri-State, heavy rain is expected multiple days this holiday weekend.

Sgt. Ringle says when heavy rain is present, the chances of hydroplaning increases.

To avoid hydroplaning make sure to not be using cruise control.

In the case you do hydroplane, do not accelerate or try to steer.

Instead, take your foot off the gas and you will naturally come to a slower pace.

Lastly, holiday weekends mean celebrations and in some cases, drinking alcohol.

Sgt. Ringle is reiterating how important it is to not drive under the influence.

If you know you are drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or plan ahead of time to get to your destination safely.

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