LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As thousands of Arkansans prepare to hit the road ahead of Christmas, one local police department is seeing a spike in people driving while intoxicated.
This comes as the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) plans to pause some construction closures for Christmas travelers.
If you're sitting on your couch planning your Christmas travel right now, you're not alone. AAA expects over 10 million people to hit the roads in our region for the upcoming holidays. That's why ARDOT and local police stations are urging drivers to plan ahead.
ARDOT spokesperson Dave Parker is preparing for the roads to see many holiday travelers.
"It's going to be another busy time," Parker said. "That's what the holidays are for."
To prepare, many of the state's construction project closures will take a pause, with changes starting Thursday.
"You will not see any full or partial lane closures from Thursday evening, the 21st, through Tuesday afternoon, the 26th," Parker said.
AAA expects over 100 million Americans to drive for the year-end holidays.
ARDOT wants everyone to get to their celebrations safely by staying focused behind the wheel.
"Keep your eye on the road," Parker said. "Hands off the phone, be smart, take it easy and get to where you need to get safely."
State and local police also urge safe driving, especially when getting in the car after the end of the celebrations.
Bryant Police Sgt. Todd Crowson said his department has already seen a spike in DWIs this month.
"The big thing is that we want people to be aware of the drinking and driving," Crowson said. "We've had 11 so far [this month]... It's the concern anytime, but especially around Christmas time because you have more people out on the road, so you got families out on the road."
On top of safety, getting pulled over for drunk driving in Arkansas can come with high fines and jail time.
"Just have designated drivers set aside for that sort of event," Crowson said. "We want everyone to get home safely."
Bryant police also said if you see someone swerving or reckless driving on the road, don't be afraid to call them, as it's better to be safe than sorry.