This last long weekend of summer will see a fleet of police cars - marked and unmarked - on streets, highways and byways throughout the North.

"Starting Friday our patrols will be enhanced through Monday," said RCMP Sgt. Pat McTiernan, North District Traffic Services Commander.

"My analysis has nothing to do with the number of traffic tickets issued. Our goal is to have people reach their destinations safely and without loss of life."

Summer's final long weekend is always teeming with danger as people rush to get home from holidays, get ready for school, close up cottages and cabins, or get the utmost out of summer's last breath.

"There's a lot of traffic on the road, so we'll be out with a full complement of cars to watch for impaired drivers, speeders and those that don't buckle up the seat belts," he said.

"There's about five to 10 percent who won't conform to using seat belts, and unfortunately, they account for a high percentage of those who die when ejected and hit a pole or hit their heads.

"There is always one to two percent who will die anyway by colliding with a moose or other uncommon reasons despite wearing seat belts," McTiernan said.

During a weekend like Labour Day, people are so focused on getting home and getting everything done, they tend to tailgate and speed.

"Drivers need to slow down. Take your time in traffic and be willing to share the road with others. If there's a crash, the road will be closed and the delay will be much longer.

"Plan your trip, allowing time for delays in construction zones. Plan your meals so a heavy lunch doesn't cause you to get overtired by mid-afternoon and fall asleep at the wheel," he said.

Those who notice dangerous or impaired drivers should call 911 to report what they are observing, he added, noting such actions can save lives.

"And one more thing. Just because drivers get by one police patrol doesn't mean there's not another a short distance ahead."