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December 31, 2007

Start 2008 with a bang, not a crash

If you’re going to spend the night out on the town celebrating New Year's Eve, and if you’re going to drink, be sure to make arrangements for safe travels that do not involve getting behind the wheel of a car. However, there will not be additional bus or trolley service running tonight.

The Rhode Island State Police say they will have an increased presence on the state’s highways, looking to get drunken drivers off the road.

“New Year’s Eve is a night that a lot of people are celebrating and drinking and driving,” Capt. Jim Swanberg said on Friday. “Troopers are focusing on that… trying to put on additional patrols and have more of a police presence on the highways.”

And another hazard: the roads will be pretty icy tonight. This afternoon's mild weather is melting snow and sleet, but temperatures are expected to drop to the mid 20s overnight, freezing what's left on sidewalks and roads.

You can, of course, still partake in the spirit of the celebration without running the risk of a ticket, or worse – just be sure to plan ahead. Make a deal with a sober friend -- New Year's Eve for St. Patrick's Day? -- walk to your party, or arrange a taxi.

If, after a long night, you’re not sure if you’re in shape to drive, chances are you’re not. But for an idea as to how a drink may affect your blood-alcohol levels, check out this blood alcohol content calculator.

Remember, in Rhode Island, and other states, if your BAC is .08 or greater, you're legally intoxicated.

And Happy New Year!

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 3:01 PM | Permalink

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