(MSC News)--Thanksgiving weekend is ranked as one of the busiest travel times of the year, and that leads the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike Authority to remind travelers to buckle up to help make it to the table for holiday celebrations.

A joint release from the agencies, citing KDOT statistics, says the last five Thanksgiving holiday weekends saw 22 people lose their lives in Kansas traffic crashes, with law enforcement officers across the state to have an increased presence over the holiday period, focusing on overall traffic safety in an effort to avoid such tragedies.

KHP Superintendent Colonel Erik Smith, in the release, says "the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with law enforcement agencies across the state, will be on roadways enforcing Kansas’ traffic and occupant protection laws,” adding that "one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up."

The KTA is also preparing for increased traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Before traveling, the three agencies remind motorists to check the vehicle- tires and fluid levels and have a basic winter travel kit handy in case of emergency. Items that should be included are blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, cell phone charger, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight/batteries and a first-aid kit.

The Missouri Department of Transportation sends a similar message, reminding motorists to "Drive Stuffed, Not Distracted" during the holiday travel period.

According to a release, motorists should expect heavy traffic volumes on interstates and major roads for the holiday especially on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.

The night before Thanksgiving, the release says, is sometimes referred to as Blackout Wednesday, a popular night for outings at bars, which can result in a potential increase of impaired driving.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, from 2019 to 2023, 53 people died in Missouri crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period.