ELKINS — The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding citizens to be responsible and plan ahead before going out to enjoy legal beverages on the biggest party night of the year tonight — New Year’s Eve.

The end of the year holiday is synonymous with patrons consuming alcohol at their favorite gathering spots and the DMV is offering tips that will keep celebration from turning into disaster.

“As we celebrate the new year, please plan ahead and make responsible decisions on the road,” said West Virginia DMV Commissioner Jack McvNeely. “If your plans include alcohol, designate a sober driver or choose a safe ride home. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.”

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can lead to irreparable consequences and New Year’s Eve consistently ranks as one of the deadliest days for drunk driving each year, officials said. Not only can someone injure themselves or someone else while driving under the influence, but being charged with DUI also leads to jail time and an array of out-of-pocket expenses.

“Data shows us that New Year’s Eve is one of the deadliest days on the nation’s highways,” McNeely said. “I would be remiss not to remind everyone that municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers are out in full force as part of the national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign this holiday season. Be smart behind the wheel, we want everyone to get home safely.”

The West Virginia DMV encourages those who have been drinking to use a designated driver or rideshares such as Uber or Lyft.

Of the 256 highway traffic fatalities in West Virginia in 2024, one-third (78) were attributed to alcohol use.

“The process of getting your license back if you get a DUI can be costly and time-consuming,” said West Virginia DMV Interim Director of Driver Services Rachael Payne. “You may have to take classes, you may have to do Interlock, you may have reinstatement fees. It’s expensive. A designated driver is free.”

For more information and tools for motorists, visit the West Virginia DMV website at www.transportation.wv.gov.