BOISE, Idaho (AP) — This Thursday's Boise State University-Oregon football game will bring more than just nationally ranked gridiron drama to Idaho's capital city.

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press)

Police in Oregon are also gearing up. The following is a press release courtesy Oregon State Police:

In anticipation of what is expected to be a significant increase in traffic with University of Oregon and Boise State University football fans traveling to Boise, the Oregon State Police (OSP) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) encourage all travelers to be on watch for one another as well as extra police patrols.  Those traveling will also be facing additional increased traffic associated with the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

For the Thursday night, September 3rd, game OSP troopers will focus increased enforcement efforts during the days preceding the game on major state highways in central and eastern Oregon that lead to the stadium's blue turf.  Football fans and other travelers are asked to keep their focus on the road and leave the competition to those playing the game.

"Driving is not a game, but there are some things that driving and football have in common.  You lose your focus and fail to play the game responsibly then you will probably lose.  If you lose your focus and fail to drive responsibly, you may end up possibly losing your life," said OSP Sergeant Jason Reese.

State, county and city police officers in Oregon and nationwide are in the midst of a national campaign targeting dangerous and impaired drivers through the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of the 2009 crackdown against impaired drivers.  The national campaign" Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." kicked off August 21st and continues through Labor Day weekend, September 7th.

State, county and city officers in Oregon and Idaho are focusing in on high speed, careless, reckless, and impaired drivers.  Law enforcement officials ask all drivers not to hesitate reporting any dangerous or impaired driver by call 9-1-1 or their state police dispatch centers.

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and ODOT offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:

• Be watchful for emergency vehicles displaying required warning lights and using emergency equipment. Yield when required and maintain a safe distance when they are working on our highways.
• Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Expect the unexpected. Be informed and prepared when traveling on any of our highways.
• Know where you go.  When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and take known routes if possible. For road conditions in Oregon, call 5-1-1 or (800) 977-ODOT (6368). Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Visiting TripCheck.com on the Internet provides information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays, and links to numerous cameras along major routes.
• Be on the lookout for motorcycles, bicycles and people walking on or near our highways.
• Keep your eyes and mind on the road.  Don't let distractions keep you from maintaining control of your vehicle.
• Be aware that many road construction projects are underway around the state. The scope of work zones is projected to continue to increase through implementation of the Oregon Transportation Improvement Act, the biggest overhaul and modernization of Oregon highways and bridges in decades.
• Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
• Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly.
• Don't drink and drive.