State College Police urge safe transportation choices for New Year's Eve celebrations

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate all of the memories we have made over the past year. The State College police department says that it’s important to have a plan to get home safe once that celebration is over.

“Find a way to get home safely, whether it be rideshare, public transportation, or just having a designated driver," said Sgt. Dean Woodring of the State College Police Department.

Whether you are spending the night with friends or family, Woodring says that it’s important to know your limits and surround yourself with good people.

“Go in groups, so that you can monitor each other and keep each other safe, monitor that alcohol intake, and those that are hosting parties, be a good host. Monitor how much alcohol your guests are intaking, making sure that they when they get ready to leave they have a plan to get home safely," said Woodring.

More than 30 people die every day in the United States due to drunk driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Safe Auto Insurance says the number of alcohol or drug-related crashes goes up more than 70% on New Year’s Eve. Sgt. Woodring says these crashes are 100% avoidable.

“It’s so easy to get someone to come pick you up that not doing so, it’s almost mind blowing just because it’s such an easy thing to do," said Woodring.

He also says to give your local police department a call if you feel yourself or a friend is in a situation where a bad decision is about to be made.

Anheuser-Busch, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber are partnering again for their 'Decide to Ride' campaign for New Year’s Eve.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqMGiwMRmmqiknJq0pnnPqKOim5ViwrOzxGaqmp6VYsGzrc2sp6iqpJbBqrvNZpqhp5mYsrR5xaipZqaVrHq6scCrqmadppp6pLHLnpmrmaSevK%2B%2F