Holiday Drinking Poses Dangers

It’s the season for holiday parties and in some cases, that means holiday drinking. Deputies say despite repeated warnings, drinking and driving continues to be an issue. Boone County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Brian Lear says most drivers do not understand what a designated driver is. They say most people believe the designated driver is the person who has had the least to drink.”It is crazy the amount of people who think they can drink and drive and there are many services provided by the cab companies, and we work with Stripes, and there are ways around drinking and driving,” said Sgt. Lear.Local companies hope to cut back on drunk driving. J&J Cab Company says business is booming as Columbia continues to grow, but when people are drinking, it can impair their judgement. The company expects to be busy over the holidays. Some area bar owners say they take extra precautions to ensure waitstaff do not over-serve customers. Local cab companies will be having specials for New Years and for holiday parties. Sgt. Lear encourages anyone having a good time to take advantage of those services and specials to help save lives.