With the Independence Day holiday celebration just around the corner, the California Highway Patrol urges drivers to put safety first.

As many head to the road, the CHP recommends drivers allow some extra time for travel on busy roads, be sure not to speed, and make sure everyone in the vehicle fastens their seat belts.

The Fourth of July weekend is a Maximum Enforcement Period for the CHP. All available officers will patrol the roadways, 6 p.m. Friday through midnight Sunday.

Last year, over the three-day Fourth of July weekend, 41 people died on California's roadways, the CHP reported. Nearly half of those killed in CHP jurisdictions were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, and one motorcyclist who died was without a helmet.

CHP officers will also look for drivers under the influence. Last year, over the Fourth of July holiday, CHP officers made 1,684 DUI arrests.