Cochrane RCMP is reminding the public to take extra safety precautions as we head into the May long weekend.

The unofficial start of summer typically sees increased highway traffic of all kinds, as trailers and motorcycles hit the pavement for the first time of the year.

Corporal Troy Savinkoff with the Cochrane RCMP says that as always, the RCMP will amp up their presence this weekend.

Savinkoff says "Typically long weekends are the most dangerous time of the year as far as travel and serious collisions. In order to keep the roads safer, the RCMP always has plans to have increased visibility."

Savinkoff says that the May long weekend is a popular time of year for people to break out their ATVs, and he says that RCMP will have an extra presence in frequented ATV locations. He says "Cochrane RCMP, like we do every year, have additional patrols dedicated to Mclean Creek and other areas that see a lot of ATV traffic."

Savinkoff stresses the importance of all motorists doing their part to keep the roads safe for everyone.

He says that the warmer weather also sees an increase of cyclists on the road and that this can create problems for cyclists and motorists sharing the road. He says that it's important for cyclists to travel in single file as far over as possible on the side of the road, and for motorists to be vigilant and courteous.