New York State Police are stepping up their patrols to catch drunk and distracted drivers over the July 4 weekend.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Wednesday that the effort will run Thursday through Sunday. He says 500 electronic message boards will be placed alongside state roadways warning motorists against driving while intoxicated.

In addition to increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints, state police say they’ll devote more resources to stopping underage drinking

The Fourth of July holiday is typically one of the state’s busiest travel periods.

Last year, the state police issued more than 10,000 traffic tickets during the Fourth of July weekend.

(AP)