It’s here, the final fling – New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and, as always, it will be a night of partying and revelry for most of the population across Malta and Gozo.

With this in mind, this newspaper cannot fail to issue the usual warning: drinking and driving kills.

We only have to look back to Christmas morning to see that accidents do occur over the festive season. It is understandable – there are more cars on the road and people are distracted.

But what can really push the statistics up is when people drive under the influence of alcohol. Many might argue that they will only have a few and still drive home, but it is a misconception to think that you can still drive safely. It is an acknowledged fact that when you drink even slightly more than the limit, your perception of events changes and your reactions as a driver are slower.

This year, the Sense Group decided that it will not be sponsoring open bar parties, which is indeed a good move. The issue at stake is not to make New Year’s Eve a boring night, but to make sure that people enjoy it sensibly and in moderation.

In the past, the scenes were all too common – people not even in a fit state to walk, never mind drive, stumbling back to their vehicles.

Also common was the sight of people actually driving their vehicles and stopping to throw up by the roadside on their way home. Not only is this dangerous in the sense of motoring, it is harmful to one’s health.

There are alternatives to driving home – one can opt for car pooling, whereby one designated driver remains sober to take everyone home. Other options are to use taxis or minivans, which are not too expensive and are a good, safe alternative.

While many might be heading out to various nightspots for a good old time, others have decided that it is entertainment at home this year. Again, we urge caution, it is better to sleep where you are if you are not in a fit state to drive, rather than drive home.

Unfortunately, it tends to be the men who become defensive and see it as macho to show that they are well capable of driving home in an inebriated state. We cannot but scoff: driving while drunk will simply earn you, and worse, others, an early funeral.

Most people have become wiser over the years and do not drink while under the influence, but even sober motorists should keep a good eye out on New Year’s Eve – it is not only with your own driving that you must take care, it is the driving of others as well.

And now for the final point. Drugs. It is useless to skirt around the issue and pretend it doesn’t happen. People also drive while under the influence of narcotics, perhaps mixed with alcohol. Driving under the influence of such mind-altering substances is just plain stupidity.

In short, if you are driving – stay sober. If you are not in a fit state to drive, call a cab or find somewhere to sleep.

We take this opportunity to wish our readers the best possible tidings in the New Year and health, wealth and happiness.