Shelby County is one of six Alabama counties that will see the affects of a national grant aimed at improving traffic safety.

Alabama governor Bob Riley announced Aug. 29 that the six counties, which include Jefferson, Blount, Chilton, St. Clair and Walker in addition to Shelby, will receive a combined $165,661 in funds through a National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration Grant.

The funds will be used to increase police patrols and related law enforcement efforts to reduce drunk driving and ensure that people adhere to seatbelt laws, Riley said.

&8220;These grants will enable officers to increase traffic enforcement on highways,&8221; he said.

The funds will be used to pay overtime wages in order to increase the number of officers on Alabama highways.

Riley said that public safety officials will increase patrols on weekends and major holidays in addition to areas with a large number of crashes.

&8220;You drink and drive or break other traffic laws that endanger the safety of others and you will be caught and prosecuted,&8221; Riley said