Lawrence residents Alexandra Wendt, 14, and Aiden Wendt, 11, shop for their New Year’s Eve party supplies Monday at Party America, 1441 W. 23rd St.

Dr. Marc Scarbrough and emergency room nurse Gail Ciesielski talk Monday about alcohol-related emergencies they could face on New Year’s Eve at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in this file photo.

Bars, restaurants and revelers are gearing up to ring in 2009.

But, before you tip your glass and welcome in the new year, health professionals remind revelers to be safe.

“People underestimate the effects of even one drink of alcohol,” said Dr. Marc Scarbrough, a hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. “People need to remember that even one drink can impair them and lead to a dangerous situation.”

The hospital sees plenty of serious cases involving alcohol — more than 1,200 annually, said John Drees, community education specialist. Between four and eight people are treated at LMH every day because of alcohol, he said.

“Alcohol’s a huge problem for our emergency department,” Drees said. “Alcohol is responsible for many of the accidents and crashes and assaults and occurrences that bring patients to the emergency department.”

During the past year, 118 people died in drinking-related vehicle accidents in Kansas, said Jen Brinkerhoff, director of The Regional Prevention Center of East Central Kansas.

In an effort to reduce such statistics in Lawrence, DCCCA Inc. is coordinating Tipsy Taxi, a free taxi service for those who overindulge. For the 25th year, area businesses — primarily bars and restaurants — will provide free taxi rides home for those who have been drinking.

“Anytime you’re drinking, you should make a good decision not to drive, especially on New Year’s Eve,” Brinkerhoff said. “People are celebrating and having alcohol. They should remember that it’s not just them that we’re worried about; it’s other people on the roads.”

Last year, 500 people were served with 150 rides home.

Ten taxis will be dedicated to providing the free rides home between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday for those who specifically ask for a Tipsy Taxi when calling 842-TAXI (8294). The taxi will only take people to a residential address and not to other parties or businesses.