Drunk Driving (6:13pm)
By: Maria Oliver
Updated: December 30, 2008
New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate. For some to let go of 2008 and begin a new year, for others it's a time to reflect and change the things that need to be changed.Drunk driving numbers signifcantly increases on holidays such as New Year's Eve and police and troopers will be waiting for those who decide to take the chance.
Senior Trooper Sparky Dean says that on any but especially tomorrow you have to be responsible and not take any chances or risks.
"There's going to be people that are going to drink. We ask them to do so responsibly, in other words before they go to the party have a designated driver or somebody that will take charge of them so they don't have to worry about their intake, you know that way they can enjoy the party," said Dean.
Dean also said even if you are not planning on drinking on New Year's Eve, still be aware and on high alert of drivers around you because he says there will be many drunk drivers tomorrow.
Some consequences from driving while intoxicated are probation, court and attorney fees, going to jail, having to pay $1,000 for your drivers licenses each year for a minimum of three years, possibly losing your job, and having your insurance premium increased. Even worse, driving drunk could put your life at risk and someone else's like in 2007, when Abilene Police Officer, Jeff McCoy was killed by a drunk driver.
"If you are going to drink don't drive and if you are going to drive don't drink," said Randy Wilson, Defense Lawyer.
If you decide to drink on New Year's Eve or any other night, have a designated driver or a cab company's phone number handy. Never get behind the wheel while drunk, it's not worth it.


