As we prepare to welcome the new year, Taylorville Police along with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office are reminding everyone to celebrate responsibly. With New Year's Eve traditionally being one of the busiest nights for parties and celebrations, ensuring a safe way home should be at the top of your checklist.

The holiday season, including New Year's Eve, sees a significant rise in DUI incidents. In 2020, 39% of traffic deaths over the Christmas holiday and 49% over the New Year's holiday involved an intoxicated driver.  Illinois ranks 42nd in the nation for impaired driving deaths, indicating a relatively lower rate compared to other states.  Alcohol-Impaired Driving: In 2017, 69% of DUI arrests in Illinois involved individuals with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between 0.10 and 0.19, and 23% had a BAC of 0.20 or greater. 

Here are some tips to keep you and others safe:

Designate a Sober Driver: Make plans ahead of time to have someone in your group stay sober and take on the responsibility of driving everyone home.

Stay Where You Are: If you're celebrating at a friend's house or venue that allows it, consider staying overnight instead of risking a drive or calling a sober loved one to come get you. 

Avoid the Roads if Possible: If you don’t need to travel, stay home to celebrate. New Year’s Eve is known for having more impaired drivers on the road.

By taking these precautions, you contribute to a safer community and help reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents during the festive season and by planning ahead, we can all ring in the new year responsibly and avoid tragedies. Wishing you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!