The best advice for drivers on New Year’s Eve?

Don’t drive!

Go ahead and pop that champagne cork tonight, but perhaps the best strategy to make sure you get home safely is to leave the car at home this evening.

New Year’s Eve is notoriously one of the most dangerous nights to drive, for obvious reasons. In addition, anytime you mix alcohol and driving, motorists are at risk for DUI.

People residing in the city proper have many alternatives to driving themselves.

Each New Year’s the CTA offers 1 penny bus and train rides so party people can get home cheaply and safely.

Taxi cabs are a convenient, but more expensive alternative as well.

Out in the far northwest suburbs, a group of towing companies are offering free rides home for over served motorists and a free tow home for their vehicle according to the Chicago Tribune.

Of course, walking is a very low cost mode of transportation.

If you have to drive, don’t over do it imbibing your favorite adult beverage. Use a designated driver to get everyone home safely.

Police enforcement is traditionally more intense on New Year’s Eve, so don’t drive under the influence. It’s never worth the risk to you, your passengers, other drivers or pedestrians or to take the chance of going to jail and losing your driver’s license.

But even if you’re driving and haven’t had a drop of alcohol, be extra vigilant on the roads for the irresponsible drivers who’ve been over served. Leave a lot of extra space between your car and the surrounding vehicles, just in case someone decides to pull a bonehead move.

Whatever your plans for New Year’s Eve, have fun and get home safe and sound.

Here’s to a great and safe 2012!

CLINK!