Virginia State Police are stepping up patrols this holiday weekend, with a heavy focus on impaired drivers.

It's the first tailgate of the year for James Madison University fan Matthew Robinson, but seeing the extra patrols for the holiday weekend won't ruin his fun.

"That presence is really good for me as a spectator coming, you know. It makes me feel good to know they're out there looking out for us," says Robinson.

He says many tailgates include alcoholic beverages, but he thinks this weekend's extra patrols do emphasize the dangers of impaired driving.

"You can't expect to come to the game and consume alcohol all the way through the game and then after the game jump in your car and go home," says Robinson.

Which is why his family and friends came prepared to the game, while still having fun and enjoying good food and drinks.

"You know people just need to make a plan for that. Have a designated driver, or make sure that you stop drinking in well enough time before you start driving," says Robinson.

Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler says this weekend is full of events like holiday parties, festivals and football games, and many people drink at such functions.

He says, with a higher percentage of people drinking and some driving, they're stepping up their efforts.

"If you get out on the highway, the chances are with increased manpower you're going to be stopped for those violations," says Tyler.

Robinson says he thinks that message has gotten across.

"It's no fun if you come and you don't get home, you want to be able to come the whole season," says Robinson.

Robinson says JMU is usually pretty good about having patrols all over campus during football games, but he did see more troopers along the highway driving to the Valley Saturday.