RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — State and local officials are aiming to reduce traffic deaths across Virginia by 15 percent this year.

The goal is part of the national Drive to Save Lives traffic safety campaign. The campaign also aims to increase safety for law enforcement officers on patrol.

With the long holiday weekend ahead, Virginia State Police on Tuesday urged motorists to drive safely.

The four-day Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the summer travel and tourism season.

State police say in a news release that nine people were killed in traffic accidents during the holiday weekend in 2013.

This year’s holiday period begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Monday.

State police plan to increase patrols during the period as part of the annual Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort.

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