Ohio - The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects over 45.1 million Americans will go further than 50 miles than their homes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, about 1.4 million more than last year.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) urges drivers to be wary due to the extra traffic.

"Simple things like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, driving sober, and putting down the distractions can be the difference between a memorable holiday and a tragic one," says ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. 

According to ODOT statistics 26 people were killed last year in Ohio during Memorial Day weekend in 22 fatal crashes. 

ODOT also warns that with almost 1,000 new construction projects introduced this year there are a large amount of active work zones on Ohio roads.

The organization is working to suspend as many projects as they can to free up space, but says it's not possible in every situation.

ODOT asks drivers to help make the roads safer by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving as well as checking information on work zones, seeing road conditions, and viewing traffic alerts before leaving home via ODOT's website or app. 

"I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel," says Governor Mike DeWine