DETROIT - Detroit police are stepping up traffic enforcement this Labor Day weekend as officials warn about the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.

The increased enforcement comes as holiday crashes have risen in recent years and follows several deadly crashes in Detroit during the Fourth of July holiday.

Data from the National Safety Council shows Labor Day crashes have generally trended upward over the past decade compared with other major holidays.

At a news conference Friday, the family of Bernice Jackson spoke about the impact of losing her in a suspected drunken-driving crash July 2.

Jackson's family hopes her death serves as a warning to others as drivers prepare for the holiday weekend.

Jackson's sister, Niki Thigpen, said her family grew up understanding the importance of having a designated driver.

 When we was growing up, and we were able to drink, we drank responsibly,  Thigpen said.  We had a designated driver who couldn't drink. That was one of our biggest fears of taking someone from their family. And it's just ironic that that happened. 

Officials are reminding drivers to use ride-share services, designated drivers, or other transportation options if they have been drinking.

AAA is also offering its Tow to Go program again this Labor Day weekend, providing free rides home for impaired drivers.

You can reach the service at 855-2-TOW-2-GO.

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