Knoxville (WVLT) - For the first time in 10 years, AAA estimates there will be fewer people on the roadways this Fourth of July holiday travel period, but still 40 million Americans will travel and many of those in the Southeast.

So local and state highway patrols will be out in full force.

An estimated 8.7 million Southeasterners will be traveling at least 50 miles of road this 4th of July holiday. Four point two million will travel at least a hundred miles. That's why the Tennessee Highway Patrol is stepping up security.

"We're holding numerous roadblocks driver license check points and sobriety check points," Highway Patrol trooper Rick Chester said.

So don't drink and drive and remember to wear your seatbelt, and...

"Well you always want to leave on time and keep safe distance from car," Chester said.

On saturday THP is taking part in Care Across America. There will be a trooper on I-40 every 15 miles across the country.

"To try and remove intoxicated and aggressive drivers from the roadway," Chester said.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is adding extra patrols to the roadways.

"Knoxville is under construction so pay attention to signs," says Rich Wilson with the Knox County Sheriff's Department.

They'll be holding sobriety checkpoints especially in the rural areas, and looking for speeders.

"So down a little bit and use a little bit more caution on the highways," Wilson said.

Last year in Tennessee there were 7 deaths 4 of those were alcohol related. Let's lower those numbers this year with more caution on Tennessee roadways. The Tennessee Department of Safety reminds you to dial THP if you encounter any trouble on the road this holiday period.