OUR VIEW: Police are going to be out and about on New Year’s so don’t risk it

Published 11:00 am Saturday, December 31, 2022

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As sure as the new year rings in at midnight on Saturday, police all around the country will be out looking for drunk drivers.

On New Year’s Eve, the LaGrange Police Department will once again be conducting traffic safety checkpoints throughout the city. The effort is an annual tradition for many police stations around the nation, but they’re not out there to hassle you or collect money from tickets. They are just trying to keep the roads safe, and they would almost assuredly rather be celebrating the new year with their friends and family like the rest of us.

Police set up DUI checkpoints on New Year’s Eve because it’s one of the highest impaired driving times during the year.

The checkpoints are set up to get impaired drivers off the road, but police will still enforce other traffic infractions. So, before you head out on Saturday night, make sure your driver’s license, registration and insurance are up to date.

If you are going to be drinking, make sure to have a designated driver or use a ride service to find your way home.

Of course, some of you are likely to ignore this advice and will realize your mistake when you see those blue lights. If this does happen to you, remember running from a DUI checkpoint will land you in even more trouble.

For everyone else —the sober, safe drivers— be courteous to officers as they try to keep our roads safe and have a safe happy new year.