Bay City Tribune

The end of 2009 has arrived and the Bay City Police Department wants to remind residents to be safe and responsible this New Year's Eve.

"If you know you've had too much to drink call somebody to pick you up," said Lt. Andrew Lewis of the Bay City Police Department.

"Phone a friend. Make sure you buckle up as you are traveling, and be sure to buckle up children any time you get them into the vehicle. We want everyone to have a safe holiday and a prosperous new year."

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sponsored their twelfth consecutive holiday-themed public education campaign this year. The campaign offers advice to Texas drivers: drive sober this holiday season to avoid a stiff fine, losing your driver's license, and jail time.

In Texas during December 2008, more than 39,000 traffic crashes injured 20,000 people and killed 313 more, according to TxDOT. Alcohol was involved in 85 of those fatalities.

Though the percentage of alcohol-related fatalities in the state has decreased over the past few years, Texas continues to lead the nation in alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

According to traffic safety experts, the daily death toll from drunk driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period is significantly more than during the rest of the year.

Along with the danger, there will be financial penalties for motorists who don't heed the warnings. A DWI arrest and conviction costs from $5,000 to $24,000 or more when you include bail, attorney fees, fines, court costs and insurance hikes.

Residents can avoid trouble by simply letting someone else "take the reins," says TxDOT.

Fireworks can also prove to be dangerous when proper precautions are not taken.

Safety goggles should always be worn while handling the items. The National Council for Fireworks Safety urges people to obey local laws.

It is against the law to use or possess fireworks within the city limits of Bay City. All local fireworks stands are located outside of the city limits, and once purchased, cannot be brought back into the city.

The National Council for Fireworks Safety also reminds citizens to use fireworks only as intended, to only allow persons over the age of 12 to handle the items, and to keep a water hose handy.

For more information and tips on fireworks safety visit www.fireworksafety.com.