New Year's Eve in Santa Clarita:  Photo Credit, Robin SandovalThis Tuesday, people in SCV will be celebrating in many ways to bring in the new year, 2014. New Year’s Eve is a time of new beginnings, hope, and optimism for a lot of people.

It’s an opportunity to put behind them whatever trials and tribulations they faced during the preceding year and put their energy into realizing their hopes and dreams for the new year to come.

For most of us here in the Santa Clarita Valley, the New Year will begin with celebrations surrounded by friends and loved ones. For some people, though, it could end up not being a happy time. There’s always a spike of DUI arrests around the holidays, especially New Year’s Eve and in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.

Law enforcement, such as the LAPD, SCV Sheriff’s Station Deputies and California Highway Patrol will be out in force keeping an extra vigilant eye out for anyone who appears to be showing the signs of driving while intoxicated – and with good reason!

The lives that are spared when a suspected DUI case is taken off the road aren’t always going to be those of the person (or people) in the driver’s car. Many victims of alcohol-related collisions are innocent motorists just trying to get where they’re going.

Thanks to the hard work put in by law enforcement on the streets, their efforts to communicate with the community, and an increase in responsible actions on the part of party goers in the SCV, 2012 saw a 31% decrease in DUI arrests as opposed to 2011.

In 2013, DUI arrests are down another 15% from 2012; let’s keep that downward trend going by following a few safety tips this New Year’s Eve.

  • If you plan to consume alcohol this New Year’s Eve, make sure you designate a driver. The easiest way to avoid a DUI is, simply, to not drive while under the influence.
  • When there is no one to act as designated driver, a taxi cab can take their place. Granted, the taxis are going to be extremely busy on New Year’s Eve, so think ahead, and decide on possibly getting a room at a local hotel or motel. A motel room within walking distance of your location can be more than affordable if you split the cost between yourself and a couple of companions.
  • If you plan to host a celebration, keep an eye out for your friends and/or loved ones. Let them all know they can stay at your home until the morning if they’ve had too much to drink. 
  • Lastly, if you notice anyone leaving, keys in hand (when they clearly shouldn’t be), stop them. No matter how much they hem and haw about being “fine,” – don’t take no for an answer. Take their keys. They’ll likely thank you in the morning.

And from all of us at SCV Bail Bonds, we wish you a Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and “Wise” New Year, 2014!

 

Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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