America’s 250th birthday is this weekend. Having fun is a key part of the weekend, but being safe and aware is just as important.

During July, and especially around the Fourth of July, police agencies will step up speed enforcement. While no local agencies like Big Rapids Police or the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the increased enforcement, the Michigan State Police is planning to crack down on speeding this month.

Travelers on freeways and highways anywhere in the state, especially near inactive construction sites, can expect to see more patrol on the roads in July. For a full list of inactive and active sites, visit here: LIST OF MDOT 4TH OF JULY ROAD WORK.

With high traffic anticipated on the water and roads this weekend, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office plans to use more staff to serve county residents this weekend.

“We will have full staffing for this holiday weekend for both the road and our marine patrols,” Sheriff Brian Miller said. “Our staff takes great pride in keeping our roads and waterways a safe place to be, so they will continue to be cognizant of any unsafe activity by those using them.”

Fireworks are the main attraction this weekend, but they can be very dangerous if mishandled or misused. City of Big Rapids rules regarding fireworks include the following:

• Fireworks should be lit only after 11 a.m. under these rules around the Fourth of July: from June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. each of those days, and on July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m. 
• A person shall not ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks on public property, school property, church property or the property of another person without that organization’s or person’s express permission to use those fireworks on those premises.
• A person shall not use consumer fireworks or low-impact fireworks while under the influence of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance or a combination thereof.
• A person shall not recklessly endanger the life, health, safety or property of another person by the ignition, discharge or use of consumer fireworks.

A violation of these four rules is a municipal civil infraction with a fine of $1,000 for each violation of the section and no other fine or sanction. Five hundred dollars of the fine collected under this section shall be remitted to the local law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing this section, which is the Department of Public Safety.

With millions of people across the state and thousands in the area expected to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, law enforcement agencies are reminding people to be safe and smart this weekend. Watching your speed and using fireworks responsibly can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe this holiday.