Ringing in a new year is a great reason to celebrate, but it’s easy for those celebrations to get out of hand. Let’s make sure that this year everyone in Lawrence and Douglas County starts the new year off in a fun but safe manner.

Alcoholic beverages are a traditional part of New Year’s celebrations, so if you expect to drink be sure to plan ahead. Celebrating at home is one option, but if you go out, be sure to select a designated driver or keep the number for Tipsy Taxi handy. The free taxi service is coordinated by the DCCCA counseling center and will provide rides from 11 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday. The number to call is easy to remember: 842-TAXI. Last year, the service offered about 400 people safe rides home on New Year’s Eve and morning.

Have a great time Saturday night, but don’t do anything foolish. Let’s get the new year off to a safe start.