Party season is time for more awareness

The numbers are staggering.

Even with all the billboards with heartbreaking pictures of children killed by drunken drivers, even with all the publicity over harsh prosecution of offenders, and even with all the slogans -- "Friends don't let friends drive drunk," for example -- the number of DWI arrests in Cape Girardeau County is skyrocketing over last year. The number of arrests made by sheriff's deputies is almost double last year already, with more than a month to go.

Jackson and Cape Girardeau report increases too, as does the rest of the state.

Some of this might be better enforcement, but the point remains the same: Drivers are not getting the message. The most frightening thing is local law enforcement agencies say they don't have the money and manpower to fight the problem the way they'd like, and here we are with the holiday season coming on. That means more parties, more drinking and more traveling.

That also means it's even more important for this year's hosts and hostesses to take responsibility for their guests. Before letting them have one too many eggnogs and then walk out the door with car keys, consider those children on billboards who won't be receiving Christmas presents this year.