‘Tis the season … for the potentially nasty combination of holiday parties and weather-affected roads. And while we should bear in mind Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over all the time, local law enforcement agencies will be increasing efforts to stop impaired driving over the next few weeks.

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, there are some disturbing trends in West Virginia, where there were 58 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2023. Of the DUI arrests in the state since Jan. 1, 2025, 43% were double the legal limit or higher, 21% were 0.20 or higher and 1.6% were 0.30 or higher. In fact, 34 people have been arrested so far this year driving with blood alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit.

“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is dangerous and never acceptable,” said GHSP Director Jack McNeely. “Our law enforcement officers will be out in full force to pull over impaired drivers and remove them from the roads to ensure our community stays safe. We ask everyone to follow the law and do their part to keep themselves and other road users safe throughout the winter holiday season. Drunk driving fatalities can be prevented when everyone keeps road safety in mind as they prepare for holiday celebrations.”

Yes, law enforcement will be out in full force, but how wonderful would it be if they spend the season bored to tears, with little to do on their patrols?

Plan ahead for that — choose a designated driver BEFORE you and your friends are staring at each other trying to gauge which one has had the least to drink; or be ready to get a taxi or rideshare home.

And hosts and sober friends must be willing to take away keys, perhaps provide a ride or even a couch. Much better to crash there than on the road.

Be smart, safe and responsible this season. Make sure you, and perhaps those with whom you would be sharing the road — stay safe to enjoy it.