If you plan to drive between now and midnight Monday, you better drive sober, buckle up, watch your speed and lay off the telephone texting.

Law-enforcement officers in Limestone County will step up patrols and will be enforcing safe driving over the New Year’s holiday.

Last year, 14 people — including five pedestrians — died in traffic accidents statewide during the 72-hour holiday weekend, according to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. At least four of those deaths involved the use of alcohol and at least five involved occupants who were not buckled up.

“We’re gong to have extra patrolmen and, depending on the weather, possibly do some roadblocks,” said Athens’ Interim Police Chief Floyd Johnson.

Johnson advises motorists to obey speed limits, not text and drive and wear their seat belts.

In Athens, motorists are not allowed to send or retrieve telephone text messages on their cellphones while driving.

“We will also be looking for DUIs, speeding, improper lane use and following too close,” the chief said. “We urge motorists to slow down and take their time and, hopefully, the weather will be decent and we will have a good New Year’s.”

Throughout Athens, Limestone County and the state, Alabama state troopers will be out in force to try to reduce accidents and ensure traffic safety.

“This is an exciting time of year, and we want you to really enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, but please make highway safety a priority,” said Col. Hugh McCall, director of ADPS.

Public Safety’s holiday safety initiative includes extra patrols, sobriety checkpoints, line patrols and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) speed detection. Troopers also will target other violations that often contribute to crashes, including speeding, following too closely, driver distraction and improper passing. In addition, troopers will partner with law-enforcement and traffic-safety agencies throughout the state and nation to curtail impaired driving.

“If your holiday celebrations include alcohol, designate a non-drinking driver or make other arrangements to be sure you – and others on the road – get home safely,” McCall said.The Alabama Department of Transportation is also working this holiday to ensure road safety. ALDOT announced today there would be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates after noon today through midnight Monday. Roadwork will be limited during the holiday for the safety of the public, construction industry workers and maintenance crews. However, emergency lane closures may be possible depending on circumstances on interstates and other state roadways.