Closing out ’09 with a bang — safely » Editorials

Editorials

Discussion

December 30, 2009

Closing out ’09 with a bang — safely

Anonymous The Jacksonville Daily Progress Wed Dec 30, 2009, 06:36 PM CST

Many look forward to the ending of 2009 — after a deep recession, company closures and more bills than income in many cases, it's time to celebrate, kick up our heels, and welcome a new year with new opportunities and, hopefully, a brighter outlook for us all.

But as much as we all want to send 2009 out with a chorus of fireworks, shotgun shells and partying 'til the sun comes up, safety should never be ignored.

Remember — drinking and driving never mix. Especially on one of the biggest celebrated days of the year. The Department of Public Safety troopers will be out from Thursday through Sunday to help make traveling safer for all Texans. They will focus on locating drivers who may be intoxicated, but also speeders and seatbelt law violators.

“We want to do all we can to minimize the number of traffic crashes and fatalities during this holiday season,” said David Baker, assistant director for the Texas Highway Patrol.

We applaud their efforts as well as those of the Bullard, Jacksonville, New Summerfield and Rusk police departments, and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. Let's not make their job tougher by creating extra work for them this holiday. That way they can concentrate on preventing accidents and responding to those that may occur.

We should make the effort to make the holiday safe for us and for other people. If you choose to celebrate by drinking, the DPS recommends Texas drivers “do their part by designating a sober driver if they've consumed any alcohol.” Baker said the holiday is no time to spend in jail, but they will arrest anyone who is impaired.

The DPS arrested 304 drivers for driving while intoxicated, issued 5,173 speeding tickets and 912 safety restraint law violations during last New Year's holiday.

Remember that drinking and driving never mix, of course. Give Department of Public Safety officers a quiet night tonight — pick a designated driver to get you home safe after the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” fade away.

And if the pop, boom and spark of fireworks are more your style for celebrating the beginning of 2010, please use some of those common sense rules Mom and Dad taught you — don't hold any lit firework of any kind, always read and follow directions completely, and never ever leave children unattended with fireworks. That's just an accident waiting to happen.

If your plans take you on the road to see family and friends or even out on the lake in the boat, keep in mind all the driver's safety tips you've been taught — and "watch out for the other guy." You never know when the other guy on the road could cause an accident, and with more cars on the road, more accidents are more likely.

So get out there and give 2009 a swift kick goodbye. Ring in the New Year with a hale and hearty joy, but please do so safely.

We want you all around to enjoy 2010.

Text Only

Editorials

Election ground rules
Throughout the coming months there will be a series of job fairs across the country — with some people hoping to keep their jobs, while others want to take it away from them.

January 25, 2012
Not just who we are, but who we aspire to be
Rarely in our country's history have non-elected officials had a profound effect on public policy. While rare, it does happen from time to time.

January 15, 2012
County budget discussion needs to begin soon
When county commissioners were forming the current fiscal year's budget this past summer, there was a lot of talk.

December 20, 2011
Silence from LMC can be deafening
Each time there's news about a change at Lon Morris — whether it be the departure of an official or the delay of paychecks — the rumor mill in the area begins to fire up again.

December 10, 2011
Transparent government a must for JEDCO, city
The concept is simple — those who handle public funds should do so in as open and transparent a manner as possible.

December 4, 2011
Time changes but memories stay the same
What do we say in this 21st century that might be correct? To be correct and definitely not damage anyone’s feelings should it be: Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas, a nod of the head or better yet nothing at all? I have noticed all of the above and many times displayed with no emotion at all.

December 11, 2010
A tragedy at the lake
How embarrassing for Jacksonville that every one of the 18 life jackets donated to help keep our kids safe while at the lake are gone.
Those life jackets were placed there to be used on the honor system — use it for the day, then put it back before you leave.

July 31, 2010
Let’s continue the debate
The Cherokee County Conservative Women’s Group is to be applauded for being the first to provide a venue for the two sides of the alcohol election debate to meet and deliver their positions in a public forum.

April 10, 2010
Census numbers mean dollars for Cherokee County
March 27, 2010
Is it 40 years too late?
U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) recently introduced a resolution designating March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. What a great way to show our Vietnam veterans how proud we are of them. It’s about time.
But is it too little, too late?

March 20, 2010
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Closing out ’09 with a bang — safely

Site Map

Contact Us