Law officers urge caution on roads, lakes

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is getting ready for a busy Memorial Day weekend. Troopers are urging motorists and boaters to be extra cautious. AAA Oklahoma expects

Thursday, May 22nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is getting ready for a busy Memorial Day weekend.

Troopers are urging motorists and boaters to be extra cautious.

AAA Oklahoma expects 485,000 Oklahomans to travel during the holiday weekend with 415,000 going by car, light truck or recreational vehicle.

Eight people were killed in traffic accidents on the state's roads during last year's Memorial Day weekend. There were no drownings, but 14 people died in the Interstate 40 bridge collapse the day before Memorial Day.

Troopers will be watching for all traffic violations, including speeding and failing to wear a seat belt.

The Highway Patrol also has 37 troopers who work lakes, rivers, ponds and creeks watching for intoxicated and unsafe boaters.