It is that time of year when holiday parties pile up one after the other over the course of a couple of weeks – and many of them are held after dark and feature alcoholic beverages.

And while the number of parties will likely be fewer this year due to COVID-19, the risk of driving impaired still exists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an average of 45 fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers per day during the Christmas season. That jumps to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.

Add nasty weather to the mix, and common sense would indicate drivers should be even more careful, not throwing their normal caution aside as they indulge during a festive gathering.

Law enforcement has begun to talk about “impaired driving” as a way to remind drivers that alcohol is not the only dangerous substance they should avoid.

Losing a driver’s license, spending time in jail or paying a large fine are some of the reasons to avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Much more important reasons are the safety of yourself, others in your vehicle and those in other vehicles. No drink or pill or drug is worth risking death or injury.

So please, be smart and careful out there. Enjoy yourselves. Designate a driver – or become a designated driver – and celebrate this wonderful New Year’s Eve.