Local law enforcement encourages New Year’s revelers to find sober rides home

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Before you go out to ring in the New Year, make sure you have a safe and sober ride home.

The Jefferson City Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Columbia Police Department and several other local law enforcement agencies will have extra officers on the roads looking for drunk drivers this New Year's Eve.

The consequences of driving drunk are much more costly than getting a cab or ride-share, MSHP Troop F's Cpl. Kyle Green said.

"People often think it's not that big of a deal, it's not the crime of the century, but the reality is is thousands of people each year in this country are injured and killed by people who are impaired on alcohol and drugs," Green said.

Green said there are many consequences people face for driving drunk, including: Losing their driver's license, getting arrested and spending time in jail, costly legal fees and bond, or even losing their job.

"In general, it's just a bad situation to put yourself in when you could easily avoid it with a simple phone call," Green said.

In Missouri, a drunk driver who kills someone can be charged with murder.

"Spending 20 bucks on a cab ride home is a lot better than spending the next seven to 10 years of your life in jail," Green said.

Law enforcement will also be looking out for fights. Last year, a bar fight in Downtown Columbia led to four people being shot.