As the final days of 2015 come to a close, people are getting ready to ring in the New Year with friends and family. Safety advocates urge people to stay safe on the roads and to not drink and drive.
Stop DUI advocates say this is a very dangerous time on the roads and asking everyone to look out for each other. Thousands of people will be on the roads this holiday season either coming into town or heading out to visit loved ones. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, more than 700 people are killed in alcohol related crashes nationally in the month of December.
Stop DUI leaders say deadly crashes can be prevented. If you're hosting a New Year’s Eve party, there are some responsibilities to consider. Advocates say people should assign a designated driver before starting to drink and should monitor guests who are drinking too much. Always use a designated driver and making sure the designated driver is the sober person.
Although generally there is no "social host liability" in Arizona, the Rule is still the same: Friends don't let friends drive drunk".
And remember, BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING.
One sad fact is that drunk drivers never take a day off. If you have to be on the road, be a little more diligent in looking out for yourself. Drive the speed limit, look both ways when proceeding into an intersection, even if your light is green, pay attention to cars going the opposite way and always wear your seatbelt--it can mean the difference between life and death if involved in a crash.
Law enforcement is also doing their part to stop drunk drivers across the valley in hopes of saving lives, but they can't do it all.
EVERYONE, PLEASE, HAVE A FUN AND SAFE NEW YEAR!!