Partygoers reminded to plan ahead this holiday season

With the holiday season now in full swing, law enforcement is on an increased lookout for impaired drivers.

While gatherings with coworkers, friends and family are opportunities to spread the season's cheer, some partygoers drive home after drinking too much.

Impaired drivers are caught by law enforcement agencies in Cheyenne County throughout the year, but that number can increase from Thanksgiving to the New Year.

Last year, there were nine DUI arrests in the county spanning that time period, according to the Cheyenne County Attorney's Office. Six of those arrests were made between New Year's Eve and Jan. 3.

"The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation's roadways, with more people traveling, an increased number of festivities where alcohol is served and a surge in drunk driving," a Mothers Against Drunk Driving media release states. "Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve in 2013, there were 846 drunk driving fatalities across the county."

Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson said if someone is going to drink alcohol at an event, they need to be responsible.

"Make sure to have a designated driver," he said.

Deputy patrols are increased on specific days when the sheriff's office knows there will be a high concentration of events, the sheriff added.

Sidney Assistant Police Chief Joe Aikens, the department's ranking officer, said partygoers should act responsibly and have a plan – whether it's a sober person at the event who can drive them home or someone they can call to pick them up if they've had too much to drink.

While police are always on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, he said, there seems to be a higher prevalence of drinking and driving this time of the year.

Aikens added that driving under the influence of drugs is just as illegal as drinking and driving.

"And not just illegal drugs – also prescription drugs," he said.

If police decide a driver is impaired – regardless of the substance – they can be arrested, Aikens explained.

Colleen Sheehey-Church, MADD national president, said, in the release, if a celebration involves alcohol, partygoers should have a plan.

"At MADD, we want everyone to enjoy their holiday parties, but more importantly, we want everyone to get home safely," she said. "We want adults 21 and over to plan ahead with a designated non-drinking driver if their plans include alcohol, for the benefit of everyone's safety on the road this holiday season and beyond."