NATCHEZ — The holidays can be a time to visit family and celebrate, but they can also be a dangerous time to be on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 1,180 people were killed in crashes nationwide during Dec. 18-31, 2013. Almost 30 percent of the fatalities were in drunk-driving accidents.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Vernon Stevens said many people travel and party around the holidays, which results in more accidents.

“If you go to a party or something, make sure you have someone who doesn’t drink who will drive,” Stevens said.

Even for drivers who haven’t been drinking, others might have been.

“When you’re driving, be alert that other drivers may be on the road with impaired skills,” Stevens said.

Natchez Police Department Detective Jerry Ford said intoxicated drivers often display poor driving habits on the road.

“Their judgment is pretty bad and a lot of things that they normally wouldn’t do, they’ll do,” Ford said.

Drivers may see intoxicated drivers swerving into different lanes without signaling, not using their headlights or running reds, he said.

“When they see stuff like that, they need to call the police,” Ford said.

If they report it, then Ford said officers might be able to stop intoxicated drivers and get them off the road, thus preventing accidents, injuries and possibly death.

Drivers should also be sure to give themselves plenty of room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them so they have time to stop if something happens, Stevens said.

Even when drivers aren’t intoxicated, accidents can still happen. Ford said extra people will be in town visiting for the holidays and, as such, traffic can get congested. People should allow extra time when they have appointments so they aren’t tempted to rush and possibly get into accidents.

“Extra caution is just a good thing,” Stevens said.

The CPSO is offering rides to people who are too intoxicated to drive home. Rides can be requested by calling 911 or the CPSO at 318-336-5231.