The spirit of the Holidays is among us. Christmas dinner has been served and eaten, the gifts unwrapped, and it is time for some socializing with family and friends.
Christmas parties abound and the ringing in of the New Year will bring about a whole new round of celebrations and festivities. While enjoying this festive season, it is vital to keep the message of responsible driving at the forefront. It is a message that has been repeatedly sent out with the hope that it will be heeded by at least, some motorists this Christmas season.
If you plan on consuming alcohol at a function, have a designated driver; that is, somebody who will not drink any alcohol whatsoever. Have a back-up plan for utilizing public transportation if it is available to you. If it is, avoid any temptation to drive home at the end of the night by taking a taxi to the function in the first place. At this time of year, the wait for a cab at the end of the night can be a lengthy one and if one is standing out in the cold for any length of time and not in the frame of mind to make clear, wise choices, the temptation to drive may certainly come into play.
If you aren't in an area with public transportation, then having that designated driver is a must, and making arrangements for spending the night may not be a bad idea either.
There is a very valid reason why this message is being sent out repeatedly. While many drivers have paid attention and do not drive after enjoying a few adult refreshments, there are some out there still who, for whatever reason, think they can make it home safely. Sadly, motor vehicle collisions involving a driver who has been drinking are still occurring, innocent people are still being killed by drunk drivers and local law enforcement officers are still pulling drunk drivers off the road.
Some folks still are just not getting it.
Everybody wants to go out and have a good time ringing in the New Year and socializing with loved ones who we don't often get to visit with. At the end of the day, however, everybody needs to get home safely.
Before putting that key in the ignition to head to that New Year's Eve party, think about your husband, your wife, your children and the rest of your loved ones. Think about the other people out on the highways and biways. Think about who they are, too. They are people with families. In one vehicle could be a young couple on their way to the hospital to bring their new baby into the world. In another vehicle are young hockey players on their way home from playing in a tournament. In yet another is a grandmother who is planning on spending New Year's Eve babysitting her grandchild.
When making that decision to drive or not, think about everybody who is going to be traveling on the roads at the same time as you. To get into a vehicle after drinking and thinking you only have a few blocks to go and can get home safe is a selfish and very unwise choice to make.
This holiday season let's ensure everybody makes it home safely. Please do not drink and drive.