The holiday celebration is in full swing, and we urge those out taking part in celebrations to celebrate smartly this season. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink.

The Thanksgiving travel period claimed at least 12 lives on Minnesota roads. Contributing factors in crashes included speeding, driving too fast for road conditions, inattentive driving and seat-belt non-use. Adding alcohol to the mix of those other factors increases the potential for disaster.

In 2003, there were four alcohol-related traffic deaths in Freeborn County with an estimated economic impact of $4,360,000.

There were also 224 impaired motorists arrested last year for DWIs in Freeborn County. In Minnesota, more than 400,000 licensed drivers have a DWI.

Everyone needs to be aware of the effect alcohol has on competency for driving.

The impact of alcohol is determined by a number of factors, including gender, weight, food

consumed prior to drinking, and pace of drinking.

The best thing to do is plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, use alternative transportation, call for a cab or a friend, take the bus, or stay the night at the location of the celebration.

The Albert Lea Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers from now through New Year’s through a Safe and Sober campaign.

Plan to celebrate smartly and avoid DWI charges and all the heartache and expenses that go with them.