EDINBURG – Police departments across the Rio Grande Valley are increasing patrols this holiday weekend.

The city of Edinburg said more officers will be on the roads in an effort to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents, injuries and deaths.

The enhanced enforcement period runs from Friday through Sunday.

Each year thousands of people in Texas die or are injured in alcohol-related accidents.

The increased patrols are funded through a Texas Department of Transportation grant awarded to law enforcement agencies to help keep roadways safe.