Thousands of people will go out tonight, aiming to end the year in style and to welcome 2010 with merriment, drinks and a good deal of socialising.

So far... so good. Everyone deserves some cheer, especially at this time of the year, and even more so, on the back of such a torrid year.

But New Year’s Eve is also a time of excess. It is a time when people drink too much, say a few too many things and take risks. The biggest risk that one could take tonight is to drive when under the influence of alcohol.

2009 was not only a bad year in terms of the economy’s performance and the sacrifices we had to make. It was also a very bad year in terms of the amount of deaths on our roads; there were over 20 and it is a record. The way people drive in Malta leaves a lot to be desired. Some of the accidents which happened throughout the year prove it – we have seen cyclists knocked over, people run over on zebra crossings, motorists smashed into on roundabouts and cars overtaking and slamming head on into trucks. It says it all.

This publishing house had published a fair few leading articles on the issue of road safety, and we do so again today. We urge all those who are out to have a good time to really enjoy themselves; but, do not drive if you are under the influence.

There are other options. While Malta does not have the best mass transport service in the world, buses will be running late tonight. In addition, one can always book a taxi, or share a minivan with others.

There is also the designated driver concept. It has not gathered much momentum in Malta, but the basic gist is that one person opts not to drink and drives everyone else home.

What is certain is that whatever ‘hassle’ one must go through to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve, the simple act of getting home safe and sound (albeit a bit worse for wear) is ample justification.

People simply cannot hope to mix alcohol and/or drugs with driving and expect to drive to the standard which they would while sober. It is simply not possible. Scientific tests have shown that people’s reactions, skills, co-ordination and the decision making process is impaired when one gets behind the wheel if they are drunk or high on drugs.

It is also very important to note that mixing caffeine with alcohol gives one the impression that they may have sobered up, but initial studies have shown that it is merely a masking effect. Although one may have consumed an energy drink or an extra strong coffee to sober up before driving – it seems that it simply does not work and actually heightens the danger.

The message is simple; if you are going to drive, then just steer clear of alcohol. We have seen far too many deaths over the year and beginning on the same note in 2010 will set the tone for the coming year.

It is high time we did something about the casualties on our roads, and a simple start would be a ‘clean’ New Year without any deaths on the road. On a final note, if people resort to sleeping in their cars, freshening up come morning and having some breakfast before getting behind the wheel, it is important to note: You can wake up still drunk.