FRANKFORT - As the holidays approach, increased highway traffic is expected throughout the commonwealth.

In an effort to save lives, the Kentucky State Police will be increasing its road patrols and operating safety checkpoints statewide.

"Through Nov. 21, Kentucky has recorded 846 highway fatalities in 2004," reports Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller, "That's eight more than last year at this time."

During the four-day 2003 Thanksgiving holiday period, 11 people died in 11 separate crashes on Kentucky roadways.

One of the crashes involved alcohol and eight of the victims were not using seat belts.

"In order to reduce these needless deaths, we're urging motorists to slow down and use courtesy when travelling on the state's roadways," Miller said.

"Allow additional time to arrive at your destination, buckle up and use adult and child safety restraint devices."

As part of their increased activities, the Kentucky State Police will also be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). This nationwide program works to reduce crashes on interstate highways and parkways by concentrating on the three key causes of traffic fatalities: speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints.

"Troopers will be coordinating enforcement activities with local police and sheriff's offices," explains Lt. Col. Dean Hayes, director of the KSP Operations Division. "They'll also be using video equipment and passive alcohol sensors to assist their efforts to combat alcohol-impaired driving."

Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol.

Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 will result in an immediate arrest even for first time offenders, says KSP Capt. Lisa Rudzinski, commander of the Governor's Highway Safety Program.

Kentucky law makes the driver responsible for assuring that all occupants in their vehicle are properly restrained. "A citation may be issued only if a motorist is stopped for reasons other than violation of the seat belt law," says Rudzinski.

"However, no warnings will be issued to drivers found not wearing a safety belt as a secondary violation. They will receive a citation.

"In 2003, 66 percent of the highway fatalities in Kentucky were not using seat belts. Protecting yourself, your children and your passengers is your responsibility and it's law enforcement's duty," she adds.

According to Kentucky law, all children 40 inches in height or less, must be buckled into a child safety restraint seat that meets federal standards.

Children over 40 inches tall must wear a seat belt. Violation of this law will result in a $50 fine with an additional $10 fine donated to the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund.

Motorists should be aware that the back seat is the safest place for children to sit, especially in vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags. Infants and toddlers should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.

Parents should always be sure that their child's safety seat has been properly installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To help keep traffic within posted speed limits, troopers will also be operating in special laser speed enforcement teams.

"Highway traffic fatalities are not just statistics, they represent human lives and potentials," Miller said.