Thousands of Westchester and Hudson Valley drivers who hit the road this Fourth of July weekend will be joined by an increased police presence.

A motorcyclist says traffic was bumper-to-bumper Friday on the Hutchinson River Parkway northbound from exits 6 to 84. Authorities say they will also be patrolling in full force and setting up DUI checkpoints. Police urge drivers to leave early, put safety first and don?t drink and drive.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts about 41 million Americans will drive this holiday weekend.