Planning ahead key to a safe New Year’s celebration

MOSES LAKE — With Christmas in the rearview mirror, there’s one more big holiday celebration before the New Year arrives. But people who are planning to celebrate the end of 2025 should think ahead – and plan ahead – before they leave home.

“Before planning to celebrate the New Year, remember to do these things, the first thing is, stick with your group of trusted friends and watch out for each other,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “The second thing, if you’re at a bar, pay attention so nobody can slip a drug in your drink. The third piece is to have a sober ride home – call a friend, call a cab or ride share. Don’t drive impaired.” 

Thinking ahead is the key to a less stressful celebration, according to law enforcement agencies.  

“If you feel like you’re going to be drinking, include those things in your planning list. If you’re planning on going out, add these to your plan,” Foreman said.  

While impaired driving is always a possibility on New Year’s Eve, Foreman said most people are more responsible. 

“There may still be some people who choose not to change their behavior, but my experience is, most people watch out for each other and have as safe an evening as they possibly can,” he said.  

Traditionally, the Washington State Patrol conducts emphasis patrols and enforcement during the holiday season, including New Year’s Eve.  

“Usually Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are some of our big ones,” said Jeremy Weber, public information officer for WSP Region Six.

Weber said the WSP also emphasizes planning ahead. If people are going to celebrate with a few drinks, they should figure out a way to stay where they are or have a ride already planned. 

“Make good decisions,” Weber said. 

People who are not driving impaired also have a role to play, Weber said.  

“We’re going to have a lot more people on the roadway, so if you’re going to drive sober, keep your head on a swivel,” he said.  

Drivers who see someone else driving erratically should report that to law enforcement, he said, since the goal of the WSP is to keep impaired drivers off the street, whatever the reason for the impairment. 

“We rely on the community as a partnership,” Weber said.  

    A cocktail can be a fun addition to New Year's Eve celebrations, but those who choose to drink should make sure they plan ahead and avoid drinking and driving. Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or other drugs can land you in jail for up to a year, get your license suspended for 90 days and cost thousands of dollars. Some convicted of a DUI may have to have an ignition interlock added to their vehicles as well.