New Year’s Eve is typically the biggest party night of the year.

With everyone anticipating the dawn of a new year, many adults will socialize and enjoy a few of their favorite drinks while waiting for the clock to strike midnight.

We’ve heard it so many times, but with drinking comes the responsibility of not driving.

It’s amazing how many people still choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. It’s as if they feel a loss of independence if they don’t drive themselves home.

Nevertheless, in a small town like LaGrange, home isn’t that far away, so it’s not too risky to drive home a little intoxicated, right?

Wrong.

It’s all about operating a vehicle while inebriated, not distance. When your perception is off, it doesn’t matter if you live a couple blocks, or five miles, from the bar.

There is no reason to drive drunk when there are several taxi services available.

When it comes to drinking and driving, we all need to be smart and appreciative of the designated driver in your group.

Unfortunately, the rule, “Don’t drink and drive,” has been so ingrained in our society through the years, the seriousness of the message is sometimes lost.

But don’t kid yourself. Your life, or someone else’s, can change in a split second.

Be smart. Get a ride. And have a safe New Year’s Eve.