Police on lookout for rowdy revelers
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

As New Year's Eve approaches - the holiday perhaps most associated with alcoholic beverages - law enforcers will be on the lookout for drunken drivers.

At only four downtown El Campo nightclubs, there's room for more than 1,600 revelers, and private celebrations will be held all over the county. This means lots of people will be out and about at a traditionally dangerous driving time.

"We'll have extra eyes and ears out for drunk drivers," said Lt. Danny Marek of the Wharton County Sheriff's Department. "We've concerted our efforts with other agencies in the county."

Marek said altogether, the Christmas holidays were relatively quiet, and "we hope to have that for the new year."

He added deputies also look out for other things besides drunken drivers.

"People are away from home at this time, and we try to keep an eye on their properties, when other calls for service don't preclude doing so," he said.

El Campo Police Chief Jim Elliott said his department always has a full shift on duty on New Year's Eve.

"We always anticipate alcohol-related calls and arrests," he said, noting there may be a longer period of revelry this year because many people will take off work Monday, Dec. 31, creating a four-day weekend.

"Your chances of being arrested increase drastically during the holiday weekend," Elliott said. "We encourage motorists to report unsafe driving by calling 9-1-1. The call could save a life."

save a life."

Elliott said moderation is key in having a safe and happy new year.

"We want everyone to enjoy the holiday," the chief said. "Enjoy New Year's Day with family, friends and football games. Don't ruin it with a bad decision to drink and drive."

As a safety precaution, the El Campo EMS Department will have two crews on duty New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Here are some thing to consider that can help keep you safe if you are out and about on New Year's Eve:

• Designate a sober driver before all holiday parties. Americans who drink and drive after holiday parties and festivities make the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's one of the year's most deadly and dangerous seasons due to alcohol-related crashes.

• Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the party or celebration begins.

• Don't even think about getting behind the wheel of your vehicle if you are impaired.

• If you are impaired, get a sober friend or family member to come and get you, or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.

• Remember - Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

• If you are hosting a New Year's party, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages during the event, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

• New Year's Eve is known for an increased number of people driving under the influence, so avoid driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. If driving cannot be avoided, individuals should make an effort to be strong, defensive drivers.