'Tis the season of celebrations. But even if you're running late for that holiday party, police say it can wait.

Sgt. Rachel David said, “They find themselves in a panic and trying to hurry, beating the closing of stores, leaving late for holiday parties. But what they don't anticipate is that there is going to be a heavy amount of traffic and it's going to cause a delay.”

It’s a delay that can cause more accidents on the road than any other time of year.

Capt. Antonio Gonzalez said, “That circle can be congested. Sometimes eastside looks a little thinner, but shopping districts are the heaviest.”

Still, arriving safe is just the start.

Gonzalez said, “We don't want anyone behind the wheel who's had too much celebration. There's nothing worse than the loss of a loved one because of over-celebrating.”

That kind of over-celebrating is what Gonzalez says they're cracking down on.

Gonzalez said, “Between the city, the state and the county, we step up patrols.”

Cracking down and keeping the roads safe for a happy holiday.

• Wiregrass Commons Mall