As Northwest Georgia rings in the New Year, law enforcement and safety officials are urging everyone across Chattooga County and the region to make one decision now that can save lives later: don’t drink and drive.

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for parties, late-night travel, and impaired driving crashes. Even a few drinks can slow reaction time and impair judgment — and on dark rural roads and highways across Northwest Georgia, it doesn’t take much for a close call to become a tragedy.

Officials encourage residents to:

• Choose a sober driver before the night begins

• Use a ride-share, taxi, or call a friend/family member

• Stay where you are if you’ve been drinking

• Host smart by offering non-alcoholic options and helping guests get home safely

• Buckle up every trip, every seat

Drivers are also reminded to watch for impaired motorists and to report dangerous driving when safe to do so. The safest New Year’s celebration is the one that ends with everyone getting home alive.