State troopers

will be out in force during the holidays as they look for speeders, and reckless and drunken drivers.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be out in force during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays looking for aggressive and drunken drivers.

The roads will be especially busy with the influx of tourists to Central Florida, not to mention people doing last-minute Christmas shopping and enjoying the holiday festivities.

AAA says more than 100 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season, and Florida is a popular destination.

“Congestion picks up, and unfortunately that’s where people lose their patience and speed or improperly pass another vehicle,” FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said. “People sometimes forget the damage their vehicle can do.”

Troopers have already stepped up patrols in Central Florida. Last Friday, for example, 25 troopers handed out nearly 200 tickets and arrested six people on DUI charges.

Statewide, all uniformed FHP personnel — including those normally assigned to administrative duties — will be patrolling interstates and other major state roads. Auxiliary troopers will assist FHP troopers.

As always, they’ll be on the lookout for impaired drivers.

“Impaired driving continues to be a priority for law enforcement in the state,” Col. Gene S. Spaulding, director of the FHP, said in a news release. “In an effort to get drunk and drugged drivers off Florida roads, FHP troopers will aggressively enforce impaired driving laws to ensure motorists and their families arrive to their destination safely.”

Montes said a common misconception is that troopers make most of their DUI arrests on New Year’s Eve, but actually the entire month of December is busy.

While drivers often make plans for New Year’s Eve, they are less likely to do so for Christmas parties or family gatherings, Montes said. People who are drinking should take advantage of ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft and the Tow to Go program through AAA, which uses a tow truck to take drivers and their vehicles home, she said.

“There’s so many options out there,” Montes said.