Safe driving

Area law enforcement agencies had a bit of good New Year's Eve news: There were few incidents involving motorists who had too much to drink before getting behind the wheel. And there were no traffic fatalities in Southeast Missouri attributed to drunken driving during the night of partying. Let's hope this is a trend that will continue throughout the year.

Police, sheriff's deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers all noted the reduction in alcohol-related incidents. It appears more motorists either monitored their drinking or relied on designated drivers to get them home.

That's great. Responsible drinking and driving saves lives and injuries. More spouses and children are spared the agony of losing a loved one to a violent traffic death. Fewer medical bills associated with accidents on our streets and highways are accumulated. Sober motorists who are on the roads on holidays are safer and have their lives and good health spared as well.

Keeping our roads safe is an enormous task that takes many forms. But making a conscious decision not to drive after drinking alcoholic beverages is one of the best choices anyone can make.

This common-sense approach to safe driving applies year-around, not just on holidays.