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

Ring in the New Year in whatever manner you choose, but please don’t jeopardize the safety of others when you do it.

For the vast majority of motorists who will be sober Friday night, be especially defensive. There’s no reason to miss out on your party plans, but you must be on the lookout for drunk drivers. If you see them before they do something stupid, maybe there will be no tragic traffic accident stories in next week’s newspaper.

Simply stated, drinking and driving is a stupid decision. It 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 Highway Patrol and local law enforcement officers will be out in force Friday night, but they can’t be everywhere and they can’t see everything. If you spot a drunk driver, report him or her 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.

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

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald