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.
