If ever there was a time to be more careful and alert when on the road, this is it, according to local police agencies.

The holiday season between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous times of the year due to increases in drunk driving, according to Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

And that doesn’t make you think twice about drinking and driving, be warned: state troopers, deputies and police officers will conduct high-profile patrols and use road checkpoints to help catch those who drive under the influence.

Impaired drivers cause almost a third of the state’s traffic fatalities each year, officials said. One of the best ways to protect yourself while on the road is to buckle up, Dallas said.