HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's the season of good times and good cheer. But have too much cheer, and you could find yourself celebrating the holidays in jail.
HPD's DUI Unit will be out this New Year's Eve looking for impaired drivers. They urge you to have a designated driver or another ride home if you're planning to drink while you're out.
If you do plan on drinking on New Year's Eve, there are a few ways to get freely get home safe. Morris King & Hodge P.C. is sponsoring a program to tow your car home and get you a ride back safely for free on their website. AAA also offers a "Sober Ride" program to help get you back safely.
If you think you see an impaired driver, here's how you can help:
- Call 256-722-7100.
- Be prepared to give your location, direction of travel, vehicle description and a tag number if possible.
State troopers will also be on the road for the National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, as well as other traffic and safety checks, through January 1.
ALEA has been on the road throughout the extended holiday travel period from 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, to midnight Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. During this time, ALEA’s Troopers will conduct a variety of enforcement activities, including driver license and equipment check points, to curb such deadly behaviors as driving under the influence, driving while distracted, not buckling up, speeding and following too closely.
With cold temperatures and the potential for winter weather this weekend, safety officials are also concerned about road conditions. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers these tips if you have to be on the road:
- Remember weather and roadway conditions can deteriorate quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy and slippery roads.
- During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
- Pay attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop hazardous “black ice.”
- Do not go around signs or barriers. These are there for your safety and the safety of other drivers.
- Keep a blanket, first aid kit, charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.
