CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta shared ways to ensure safety this New Year’s Eve.
“The new year is a time to celebrate and spend time with friends and family,” Gentry said. “We at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities, but to do so responsibly.”
Here are some things that can be done to ensure that your New Year’s celebration is a joyous one:
Still the most important: don’t drink and drive! Any alcohol in your system is too much. Don’t risk your life or those around you.
Have a designated driver (or be a designated driver). Work together to keep one another safe.
Stay put. If it is an option, don’t be on the roads.
Stay in groups. First dates on New Year’s Eve are not the safest idea. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have no option to leave. Being with a group obviously provides safety in numbers. Most importantly, be smart. Pay attention to your surroundings and do your part to stay safe. Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety.
Gentry said deputies will be out in force throughout the holiday season.
“We will do our part to keep the citizens of Cullman County safe,” he said. “We ask that you do your part as well. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.”
According to Nassetta, the CPD’s main area of concern for NYE is safe travel for folks going to social gatherings.
“This gets more complicated when these social gatherings often involve alcohol,” Nassetta said. “The best advice that I can give is that if you are going to be out, pay careful attention to the vehicles around you. If you see a driver that appears to be impaired, give us a call and try to be a good witness. Tag numbers, vehicle descriptions and where you are and the direction you are traveling are all good things to tell the dispatcher.”
Nassetta said if you are going to be drinking, even a little bit, have a plan to get yourself home that doesn’t involve you driving.
“You may be fine to drive, but if there is any question, have a plan, just in case,” Nassetta said. “A secondary concern is the consumption of alcohol by underage drinkers. We always expect that there will be gatherings of young people where alcohol will be present.”
Nassetta said if you are a parent and you allow these things to happen in your home, you can be held responsible.
“I have heard many times about parents who say that they would rather have their kids and their kids’ friends over at their house if they are going to be drinking, because at least if they are going to be drinking, they can do it in a place that is safe, and make sure no one tries to drive under the influence of alcohol,” Nassetta said. “Some will also say that they do not provide the alcohol, so they are not responsible if other kids bring it to their house. Those parents need to understand that they are responsible for whatever happens at their house. This can result in criminal charges and/or civil liability. Alcohol poisoning and the many other bad choices that inexperienced drinkers make are all concerns that, as a parent, I would not want my kids exposed to. Speaking of parents, I would advise them to make sure that they know where their kids are going to be and who they are going to be with.”
Nassetta said accountability is key and these days parents have the option of choosing trust or GPS and to please have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.
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