HARTFORD, Conn. -- With Thanksgiving days away, the Department of Consumer Protection is warning party-goers of the dangers of drinking and driving.

"It's a big holiday season, but I think the thing we need to remember is that it's no time to take a holiday from drinking responsibly," said DCP Commissioner Jerry Farrell.

The department has launched the Safe Holiday Campaign in hopes of preventing crashes.

As part of the campaign, the department, along with the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, put together 10 tips for a safe holiday party.

"Some of the tips include serving juice and water instead of alcohol and having plenty of appetizers and snacks," Farrell said.

Last year, more than 12,000 people were killed in drunken-driving related crashes in the U.S., and the majority of those crashes occurred between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

The Safe Holiday Campaign has state police and the Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving involved as well.

"The National Safety Division and the Connecticut Transportation Division and the Transportation Safety Section have given police departments -- both state and local -- more money for increased patrols at checkpoints this holiday season," said Chief Doug Fuchs, of the Redding Police Department.

MADD officials said they plan to hand out cards with the tips for a safe holiday party at a Branford DUI checkpoint Friday.

State's Tips For Safe Party

Control access to the alcohol you provide. Avoid serving from common sources such as kegs or punch bowls, and be sure that whoever is preparing drinks is monitoring other guests' consumption.

Offer alternatives such as juice, soft drinks and coffee.

Discourage competitive drinking; serve only one drink per guest at a time

Provide snacks and other food so guests do not drink on an empty stomach

Model safe behavior for your guests

Stop serving drinks at least one hour before the party ends and encourage guests to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages before they leave.

Stop serving alcohol to anyone who is visibly intoxicated, and make sure they are not left alone in order to prevent injury

Be sure anyone who is intoxicated has safe, alternative transportation home