As we ring in the New Year law enforcement officers across Kentucky will be monitoring traffic for impaired drivers.
State Police Spokesman Robert Purdy says rather than getting behind the wheel intoxicated, holiday party-goers should opt for a taxi, a ride sharing service, or staying put.
“Not worth getting out on the roadway risking hurting yourself, somebody else, killing somebody, killing yourself, or even being arrested and being charged with DUI,” Purdy said. “All those options are very costly.”
The potential dangers associated with driving during peak holiday periods include a variety of drug related impairments.
Purdy says the increased number of vehicles on the road during the winter holiday period can raise the risk of accidents. “Typically between Christmas and New Year’s is also a very high traveled part of the year," Purdy said. "And anytime you have more cars on the roadway, the potential for having more collisions and thus more fatalities goes up."
Purdy says police typically see an increase in alcohol related crashes in the early hours of a new year. His advice is to pay attention to other drivers and call police when observing erratic driving.
