Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The New Year’s holiday is notorious for the high number of impaired drivers on the road. Why some choose to consume way too much alcohol and then climb behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle is a debate that never seems to end.

However, the vast majority of motorists out on our local roads will be sober. They’re the ones who need to be on the defensive as they make their way home or to another destination.

There’s no reason to miss out your party plans, but you must be on the lookout for drunk drivers.

If you see them before they do something stupid, and inform local law enforcement of their whereabouts, maybe there will be no tragic wreck stories in the next edition of this newspaper. That will be welcomed news by all.

Despite decades of warnings, innumerable studies and countless wrecks, some people insist on not having the good sense to stay off the road after drinking too much.

Party in whatever manner you want to bring in the New Year – just don’t jeopardize the safety of others when you do it.

Drinking and driving is stupid and is a life-threatening danger to other people – innocent people.

Even a couple of small drinks impair your ability to drive.

More than a couple of drinks not only makes you a road danger, it is illegal.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officers will be out in force over the course of the New Year’s holiday, but they can’t be everywhere and they can’t see everything.

If you spot a drunk driver, report him or her to the Highway Patrol or to the nearest law enforcement agency.

You would not be “ratting” on someone; you would be protecting the lives of other motorists.

If you’re going to drink this New Year’s Eve, make sure you have a designated driver, a place to sleep, or any other way there is to remain safely away from the steering wheel of your vehicle.

Most of the people out partying will not be drinking and will be enjoying celebrations with their families. Even if they do consume alcohol, the great majority will have already taken a vow not to drink to not drive.

If your own life isn’t important enough to protect, at least have enough heart to protect the innocent people on the roads.

It’s really very simple, and we’ve all heard it 10,000 times, but it’s also very true – Don’t Drink And Drive!

May the arrival of 2020 be a safe and happy one for everyone across the local area!

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald