As millions of Americans take to the road this week to visit friends and family, it’s imperative that drivers be on alert.

Collisions increased significantly statewide during last year’s Thanksgiving season compared to the prior year, with 32 people losing their lives on California’s roadways due to a collision, according to the California Highway Patrol. That’s up 52 percent from Thanksgiving 2010. Two-thirds of those killed in collisions within CHP’s jurisdiction last year were not wearing a seat belt.

Drivers need to take precautions. The CHP issued a reminder last week for drivers to avoid distracted driving, travel at a speed that is safe for road conditions and designate a non-drinking driver. Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday, the CHP made 1,475 arrests for people driving under the influence.

Drivers will want to be particularly careful Wednesday, Nov. 21, when Accuweather predicts patchy fog and light morning showers in the Patterson area.

The CHP is stepping up its enforcement between 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, but that’s still not a fail-safe measure.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration, not tragedy. To prevent roadway mishaps, motorists should do their best to play it safe and stay attentive while on the road.