VIDALIA — Labor Day weekend has finally arrived, and the holiday that gives many a chance to take a day off from the daily grind is leaving local law enforcement officials working overtime.

The long weekend, and the high volume of travel experienced during holidays such as Labor Day makes for a dangerous combination, said traffic supervisor for the Vidalia Police Department Jim Boren.

“People have a few drinks and it sneaks up on them,” Boren said. “After that their judgment is impaired and that is where bad decisions come from.”

Boren said the Vidalia Police will be using an extra man on each shift during the holiday weekend.

“We are going to be looking for impaired drivers,” he said.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Labor Day should be enjoyed in a safe, responsible way.

“We want everyone to celebrate safely and be aware that our officers will be out in force to make it safe,” Maxwell said. “We’re urging everyone to please watch out for other travelers.”

Maxwell also said the CPSO will be sending extra troops out to help combat drunk drivers and speeders, adding that drinking and driving needs to be avoided at all costs.

“Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be huge,” he said. “The greatest tragedy is that deaths due to drunk driving crashes are preventable.”

Boren said making smart decisions is the only way to help prevent an accident over the weekend.

“Don’t drink and drive,” he said. “It’s easier to call someone for a ride from your house than it is to call them from jail.”

Drinking and driving affects far more than just the people who are guilty, Maxwell said.

“Should your drinking and driving cause injury or death to an innocent driver, passenger or pedestrian, the tragic ramifications are unending for that person’s family,” he said.

Drinking and driving is not the only thing Maxwell said motorists should avoid while traveling this weekend.

The new state law about texting and driving is something Maxwell said area residents should remember.

“You simply cannot keep your eyes on the road while you text,” he said.

Boren asked drivers to remember that other people are on the road.

“You need to be smart in your decision making,” he said.

“Even if it is not your fault, you might run up on the wrong person at the wrong time.”