Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies will increase weekend patrols on targeted Colorado highways Thursday through the first weekend in August.

Summer is a peak season for out-of-state travelers throughout Southwest Colorado, and law enforcement has seen a spike in crashes and road fatalities this year.

The top three causal factors for these injury and fatal crashes are distracted driving tied with lane violations and exceeding safe speed.

Increased presence should be anticipated by drivers the next three extended weekends.