As millions of people hit the roads for the Thanksgiving holiday, many of them won't be paying enough attention to their driving. Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for distracted drivers over the holiday.

You've driven next to them. Maybe you've even been one yourself. You know the type. Drivers who seem to be doing everything behind the wheel except driving.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says 17 deaths in the state last year were caused by distracted or inattentive drivers. The AAA Motor Club says at least 25-percent of all crashes are the result of distracted driving.

Trooper Sonny Collins, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, says anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road can cause a deadly accident. "Just that split second, but in that split second a lot of things can happen that you're not able to react to."

Collins says driver distractions are especially an issue when traffic is heavy over the holidays. So Highway Patrol suggests keeping a safe following distance, at least three seconds behind the car in front of you.

Then there are aggressive drivers who may be speeding or tailgating and tired drivers who take to the roads after a big dinner. "We recommend every two hours, to get out of your car, stretch your legs, get some fresh air," Collins advised.

Highway Patrol will have extra troopers on the lookout for distracted, aggressive and fatigued drivers over the Thanksgiving holiday, but Collins says, you can help by being on the lookout, too. "We encourage you to call *HP, let us know they're out there so we can address that with them."

There have been more than 100 fewer deaths on South Carolina roads so far this year, than last year, and Collins says Highway Patrol will be working hard to see that trend continue.

Nine people lost their lives on South Carolina roads over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend last year.