As each year draws to a close and people around the region begin making plans for their New Year’s Eve celebrations, we make the same plea: Don’t drink and drive.
It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, and we aren’t suggesting that the end of one year and the fresh start of another shouldn’t be marked with a few celebratory glasses of champagne.
But if you do choose to toast to 2013 next week, make sure your keys are tucked safely out of reach.
Or make sure a cab service or friend’s number is handy.
Or make sure someone can get you home safely without you having to risk your life — and the life of every person you encounter on the road — by driving under the influence.
There are countless campaigns aimed at decreasing the number of people driving under the influence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over as a way to stop drunk driving. The campaign encourages people to print posters and put them up where others will see them; use social media to spread the word; make it a personal pledge to not drive drunk; and remind friends that cops are out there looking for drunk drivers.
Locally, officers with the Fairmont Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State Police will be increasing patrols over the holiday to help keep drivers safe and discourage motorists from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
Of course, for anyone who gets charged with a DUI, heavy consequences await. If convicted, they will pay a hefty fine and spend some time behind bars. They will have their license suspended and possibly lose their job. Their insurance rates will skyrocket.
But they’ll also be alive, which is something many families can’t say about their loved ones.
According to the NHTSA, 9,878 people died in drunk-driving crashes last year. That translates to one every 53 minutes, and it’s likely that many of those happened on New Year’s Eve. In fact, the NHTSA says that in the month of December, an average of 25 people die every day due to drunk-driving accidents.
So while driving under the influence isn’t something that happens specifically around the holidays or for major events like the start of a new year, it is something that can have an irreversible impact on people. Just look at last year, when nearly 10,000 people died a needless death due to an irresponsible choice.
Don’t become a statistic this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate, of course, but do so wisely and in a responsible manner.
Anything else just isn’t worth it.
Opinion
Decision to drive drunk simply isn’t worth risks
- Opinion
-
-
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
-
Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
-
Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
-
‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
-
Need doesn’t go away during debate about state Medicaid expansion
The debate — fierce at times — is under way.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Thursday that West Virginia will expand Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul, which would extend coverage to an estimated additional 91,500 uninsured, low-income residents. -
Is ‘Feed to Achieve’ program a sound idea?
Today, bars and taverns typically keep small and salty food in bowls on the counter. The more peanuts or pretzels you consume, the thirstier you become.
The thirstier you are, the more likely you are to buy another cold one. - More Opinion Headlines
-
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
