As far as the Idaho State Police is concerned, the secret to successful holiday travel is safe drivers and lots of 'em.

In order to make that dream a reality, ISP is getting all commissioned officers - even those riding a desk - out on the roads today. Historically, the day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

ISP has called the push "All Hands on Deck" and it's the third holiday operation of 2013. Troopers will focus on the traffic violations known to be factors in crashes and cause fatalities.

Speed and aggressive or distracted driving traditionally hit the top of the list, while impaired driving, failure to wear seatbelts and improperly securing children are not far behind.

"We want to give families added safety on the roads to start out the holiday season," said ISP Col. Ralph Powell. "Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time for friends and families, but it is also a busy time for crashes and fatalities. ISP wants to do all we can to prevent these tragedies, and this is why our troopers are spending time away from their families so that you can make it to your family's destination safely."

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, impaired driving contributed to 1,454 crashes on Idaho's highways and caused 73 fatalities in 2012.

ISP said they investigated two injury crashes and 21 property damage crashes over the 2012 five-day Thanksgiving weekend in District No. 1, which includes Kootenai, Benewah, Shoshone and Boundary counties.

ITD spokesman Kevin Bechen encourages partygoers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or pre-arrange a safe ride home.

"If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help them make other safe travel arrangements," he said.

A few of ISP's all-time best reminders include: don't drink and drive, use seat belts, stay off the road when you're sleepy, drive appropriately in challenging conditions, avoid distractions - especially cellphones - and move over when passing emergency vehicles.

For those not in the driver's seat today, ISP invites you to join its troopers in a virtual ride-along in the front seat of a patrol car from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Twitter (Twitter@IdahoStPolice with All Hands on Deck hashtag of #ISPAHoD).

To report impaired drivers, call 911 or the ISP REDDI hotline at 1-800-233-1212.