State Police gear up for travelers

Planning a trip this weekend? If so, you'll be one of the more than 35.2 million Americans who plan to get away this Memorial Day holiday. According to a report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), this is up one percent from last year's figure. \nThis is good news for the travel industry, which looks to be "on the road to recovery" since the lag experienced after Sept. 11, according to an AAA press release. In fact, more Americans are flying than any other time since early September.\nBut as for this weekend, most people will be driving. According to AAA, towns and rural areas are the preferred destinations for most travelers. Across Indiana, outdoor activities such as camping, boating and hiking will be the most popular, Greg Seiter of AAA said.\nLocal law enforcement officials will be prepared this weekend for increased numbers of people on the roads. \n"There will be special patrols out and more troopers on the roads this weekend," Sgt. Rick Wright of the Indiana State Police Department said. \nSome of these will be part of a multi-state program called Operation C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which aims to reduce traffic accidents during the holidays. \n"This program pays troopers overtime to control the highways," Wright said. \nAlso being implemented this weekend is the increased enforcement of seat-belts as part of the state-wide "Click it or Ticket" campaign. This heavy enforcement of seat-belt laws at over 4,000 enforcement zones across Indiana started May 19 and will last until June 1. \nIt is not just a coincidence that this enforcement period is coinciding with Memorial Day weekend, according to Mike Diekhoff of the Bloomington police department. \n"Seatbelt patrols are out this weekend, and they will be ticketing," Diekhoff said.\nDespite the increased numbers of people out on the roads this weekend, Diekhoff does not expect too many problems. \n"Usually it's pretty quiet in Bloomington during the holiday weekend because most travelers leave," he said. \nOne thing that may deter people from Bloomington this weekend is the flooding problem at Lake Monroe. Although it has been a popular destination in previous years, high water levels might keep people away this year, Wright said.\nInstead, locals will head for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 86th running of the Indianapolis 500. Plus, there are many other outdoor destinations.\n"State parks will be popular. Really anyplace where people can get out and enjoy the weekend (will be popular)," Wright said.\nAll of these road-trippers will be pleased to know that local gas prices are about 25 cents lower than they were last year at this time. Last May, gas averaged $1.74 per gallon in Indiana. \n"Normally during a holiday period, you see increased numbers of people driving," Seiter said. "So merchants raise prices somewhat. It's normally expected that gas prices will go up in the spring and summer"