COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The state Department of Public Safety is advising motorists to exercise extra holiday precaution as they navigate heavily traveled interstates in the metro Columbia area.

Columbia relies heavily on its three interstates. And as the busy Christmas week drive time opens, safety officials are reminding motorists to be particularly careful around intersections, particularly where the interstates converge.

Public Safety director Mark Keel told The State newspaper of Columbia that an additional 50 troopers will be working the holiday rush.

Authorities say a key stretch for motorists to be vigilant on is the area where Interstate 26 meets Interstate 20. The intersection is called Malfunction Junction and has been the scene of numerous accidents in past years.