THOMASVILLE — Administrative duties will be put on hold as all Thomasville Post 12 Georgia State Patrol troopers will take to the highways during upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

“Everybody works Christmas and New Year’s,” said Sgt. First Class Tommy Peeples, Post 12 commander.

The Christmas holiday traffic period is from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 26, with the New Year’s travel time to begin at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, and end at midnight New Year’s Day.

While drunk and impaired driving are major causes of traffic crashes, Peeples said the biggest hazards now are speed and distracted driving.

Distracted driving applies to:

• Texting

• Looking at computer maps

• Changing channels on a radio

• Eating

• Talking to passengers

“You can get involved in conversations with passengers and not pay attention to the road,” Peeples said.

The New Year’s holiday period will focus on impaired drivers.

“That’s when you have a lot on the roadway.” Peeples said.

Seatbelt use for adults and children will be monitored closely during the two holidays.

Peeples said that most traffic fatalities or serious injuries involve drivers speeding and not wearing a seatbelt or driving under the influence and not wearing a seatbelt.

Fatality-free holidays are Post 12’s goals.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820