AIKEN --- The Labor Day weekend heralds the end of summer, and for many that means a three-day holiday.

But the upcoming weekend also means an increased police presence as law enforcement officers patrol the roads looking for impaired and aggressive drivers. Police in Georgia and South Carolina will be out in force this week to crack down on intoxicated motorists, aggressive drivers, speeders and seat belt violations.

"We're sending a clear message to the public," Lt. Tim Pearson of the North Augusta Department of Public Safety said Tuesday at a news conference on the coordinated effort. "They're here; they're dedicated; and they're actively patrolling the roads, making sure that we close the summer out with no accidents or fatalities over the Labor Day weekend."

Highway fatalities are down across South Carolina compared with 2007. So far in 2008, there have been 600 traffic fatalities statewide, compared with 724 during the same period last year. Aiken County also has seen a drop in fatalities -- 21 compared with 27 this time last year.

Law enforcement agencies in both states hope the downward trend continues, and they attribute the drop to police officers' diligence in enforcing traffic laws.

"Please don't give credit to high gas prices," said Capt. Chris Williamson of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The decrease in fatalities "is due to those who risk their life out there every day."

Lt. Donnie Smith of the Georgia State Patrol said few people view traffic violations as a criminal offense, but if you cause the death of someone because of a traffic violation "you have committed a crime against society."

This year, the Georgia and South Carolina legislatures passed tougher laws on driving under the influence.

In Georgia, lawmakers created a felony-level DUI charge for repeat offenders who have four drunken-driving convictions within 10 years.

Lawmakers in South Carolina strengthened penalties for first offenders and all subsequent DUI offenses and removed community service as a sentencing option for two or more convictions.

The bill also introduced a tiered penalty system with greater punishments for offenders who are grossly intoxicated and tougher penalties for suspected drunken drivers who refuse to take a blood-alcohol test.