It is impossible to enjoy the new year dead. New Year’s is a time for celebration and new beginnings. Resolutions are made, champagne is opened, and the new year is welcomed. However, the individuals who make wrong choices may very well have their last new beginning.

At most adult New Year’s parties, there can be expected to be some form of alcohol. Whether it be champagne, wine, or beer, there will be drinking. The average amount of deaths related to the consumption of alcohol on New Year’s Eve is about 140. It is the second most deadly day for drivers; the day before Thanksgiving being the first. Statistics show that this year there will be expected to be about 156 deaths. Most of these deaths will be because of driving.

Many students in the Rochester Community Schools district will be out driving to go to their friend’s or family’s house. Between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is when drivers are at their highest risk of getting into an alcohol-related accident. Avoiding highways on New Year’s is the safest because 48 percent of road deaths are highway related. Of course, there are people trying to spread awareness about drunk driving.

The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), was created to minimize the number of deaths caused by alcohol on the roadway. According to the organization, drunk driving is the number one cause of roadway deaths every year. MADD wants to keep teenagers and adults safe on the road when getting to where they need to be.

At Rochester Adams High School, there are many students who drive to and from school activities or jobs. Drunk driving is an issue that hits close to home. For many, it is important for students to feel safe on the road. Junior Evan Muschong believes the best way for adults to avoid drunk driving is to stay away from the wheel.

“If you know you are going out to a party or may have a drink or two, always have someone that you can call,” said Muschong.

In the school district, presentations are given to students to teach them how to deal with drunk driving. The information given instructs the students to never get behind the wheel of someone who has been drinking. These presentations also explain the consequences of drunk driving crashes and how it affects people’s lives.

“The act of driving is already a stressful task. It’s never a good idea to drink and drive, and hearing about tragic instances during this time of year is very heartbreaking,” said senior Miles Houser.

The choices made by any person can create long-lasting consequences. Those consequences are increased if that wrong choice is made while under the influence of alcohol. New Year’s Eve is one of the worst times for students to be out driving and should be extra careful on the roads. After all, a consequence could be the cost of another’s life.