ST. GEORGE — With spring break and Easter coinciding this weekend, officials are preparing for an onslaught of visitors in Southern Utah; preparations include additional traffic control at state and national parks and an increased law enforcement presence on highways.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park rangers will be on the lookout for impaired driving over the weekend through expanded DUI checkpoints and increased road patrols, according to a news release issued by the park service.

“Zion National Park’s enforcement is aimed to keep all visitors, local residents, and wildlife safe on the park’s roads,” the news release states. “Impaired driving in Zion is especially dangerous due to the narrow roads, steep drop-offs and sharp turns.”

Snow Canyon State Park

Easter weekend is the busiest weekend of the year at Snow Canyon State Park, with most visitors expected to arrive Saturday and Sunday. In anticipation of the surge of combined spring break and Easter visitors, the park will be implementing traffic control measures at both park entrances.

A temporary entrance freeze will be put in place when designated parking areas and pullouts are full. Visitors should be prepared for long entrance lines with the possibility of up to a 60-minute wait.

Highway Patrol

Throughout the state, Utah Highway Patrol troopers will be working hundreds of extra shifts this weekend on the looking for signs of impairment, drowsy driving, speeding and distracted driving.

“If you’ll be drinking, make plans for a safe and sober ride home,” UHP said in a news release. “Call a cab, ride share, sober friend or family member – never drink and drive.”

To read the full story, visit St. George News.

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