Travelers are crossing Michigan to their holiday travel destinations.

AAA Michigan estimates that more than 1.3 million state residents will travel 50 miles or more during this year's Thanksgiving period, an increase of 7 percent over 2011. They're joining nearly 44 million Americans who are traveling Wednesday through Sunday.

TripAdvisor says 35 percent of people are traveling on Thanksgiving, up from 34 percent last year. 

Although airfare is on the rise, TripAdvisor estimates 38 percent of those traveling will be flying to their destinations, while 58 percent intend to drive.

With Wednesday night being known as the "biggest bar night of the year", nearly 100 agencies in 20 counties are conducting extra patrols to ensure motorists are driving safe and sober this holiday weekend.

According to the Michigan State Police, 166 people were arrested last year for alcohol-related offenses between 6 pm and 4 am Thanksgiving morning. Fifty-one of those drivers arrested had a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning is coordinating the effort to protect the roads.

"Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we want to make sure everyone gets to their holiday gatherings safely," said OHSP Director Michael L. Prince. "Extra officers will be out strictly enforcing drunk driving laws."

Prince says drivers need to designate a sober driver before drinking. Those drinking are also encouraged to consider taking cabs or buses home.

During last year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend, seven people were killed on Michigan roadways. According to the Michigan State Police, none of those deaths were alcohol-related and two of the victims were not wearing a seat belt.

Drivers convicted of drunk driving can expect to face serious consequences including up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, up to 360 hours of community service, 180 days driving suspension and six points on a driver's license.