Think About It ....

Before going out to the party be sure to plan a safe way home. Drinking drivers who do not plan a way home before heading out often make the wrong choice of driving because they do not want to go back and get their car the next day, the taxi cost more money than they want to pay or it is an inconvenience to bother any for a ride home.

Drivers should be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving. This risk often goes up because of the holidays. The best thing to do is have a designated sober driver that you can trust before heading out. Leave your keys at home and trust the designated driver to get you to where you need to go.

New Year's Eve is traditionally a good night to have some fun. Whether it be a family gathering, party, restaurant outing or other activity where alcohol will be involved there is always risk to everyone when someone makes the decision to drink and drive. New Years eve is often regarded as the most dangerous holiday night of the year. If you are impaired use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation. If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road call 911.

Unlike many think it only takes one to two drinks to be impaired. Slow physical and mental skills that affect vision, steering, braking judgment, and reaction time. There will be sobriety checkpoints as well as extra patrol on the look out for drinking drivers during the holiday. People that are convicted of driving under the influence could lose what they value most. Their family, job, dignity and money are all on the line.

If you will be drinking this New Years Eve make sure you plan a way home before the party. Designate a non drinking driver who can get every one home safely. Remember it is not only illegal but dangerous to serve anyone alcohol under the age of 21.  Do not accept a ride from a car driven by someone who is or has been drinking alcohol. Even one drink can impair the driver.

 Hosting a party? Serve non alcohol drink alternatives. Keep the number of a local cab where those needing a ride can get it. Take car keys from friends who have had to much to drink.