Officials are reminding Albertans to enjoy May Long weekend safely by planning ahead and observing all laws.

RCMP spokesperson, Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, says RCMP see a sharp rise in serious motor vehicle collisions during every long weekend.

With increased traffic congestion, RCMP officials ask that motorists plan ahead and drive with caution.

Officials add, impaired driving remains the largest cause of criminal death in Canada, and that the deaths are preventable.

Savinkoff notes police will be out enforcing those laws that pose the most risk including speed, seat belts, distracted and impaired driving.

When it come to hiking or camping, Todd Nivens, executive director of the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society says people should be prepared by packing warm clothing for cold or wet weather.

“We do get snow on May Long Weekend in the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains,” says Nivens.

For rafting or river floating, Nivens, says people should wear a life jacket at all times in the water- and make sure you have the right equipment.

“Some of the department store rafts or floaties have only one place to blow the air up from,” says Nivens. “That means if your floatie get punctured, your device can no longer keep you floating. So you run into a situation where you’re self-navigating the river.”

Savinkoff says rivers in particular are more treacherous this time of year and swimming across a river is always dangerous and is not recommended.

While a fire ban is not currently in place for much of the West Country, Nivens adds fire safety is paramount no matter the conditions.

“Never ever leave a campfire unattended,” says Nivens. “You should also never light a campfire unless you absolutely know how to put it out.”

Nivens adds the proper way to put out a campfire is soaking it, stirring the embers, soaking it again, and repeating the process until it’s cool.

Importantly though, Nivens adds, people should go out and explore nature on May Long weekend.

“Go and explore the mountains, go and explore the rivers, go and explore the creek and streams, because they’re amazing” says Nivens. “There’s really cool things happening out there right now.”