This holiday season, I and the Vicksburg Police Department would like for everyone to enjoy a safe holiday season.

Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January; the time when families gather, parties are scheduled, and travel increases throughout the state.

By taking some basic precautions, you can ensure your whole family will be safe throughout the holidays.

Traveling during the holiday season can be a very hectic time. When traveling during the holidays, please be sure to buckle up.

Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the chance of surviving a serious crash are much greater. Due to an increase in the number of holiday travelers, be sure to:

• Buckle up, it’s the law.

• Be prepared for heavy traffic

• Leave home in time to arrive at your destination safely.

• Avoid speeding, it is always better to be safe, than sorry.

• Abide by the posted speed limit

• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance being traveled

• Put cell phones away; distracted driving causes one-quarter of all crashes

• Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained, and keep an emergency kit with you

During the holidays, family members and friends gather together to enjoy the holidays. This holiday season, be a good role model for your children. For parents, the holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to model the appropriate role of alcohol at parties.

Children are astute observers of adult behavior and are more influenced by your actions than your words. Don’t give the message that alcohol must be a key ingredient for good times. Those festive holiday celebrations will be remembered by your children for years and serve as a lifelong guide, so give them the best of memories.

If you decide to indulge in alcohol during the holidays, please drink responsibly. Whether it’s sipping wine at a cozy Christmas gathering or toasting the New Year with champagne, alcohol is a common part of many holiday traditions. 

Don’t overdo it when it comes to alcohol consumption. Choose a designated driver for the evening to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

A designated driver is the person who sustains from alcohol consumption, not the least intoxicated person at the end of the night. Your safety and the safety of others traveling during the holiday season is extremely important.

If you are hosting or attending a Christmas party that involves alcohol, please make sure that you take the necessary actions to ensure that you and your guests have a safe holiday season. 

Wishing everyone a safe holiday and from our family to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Vicksburg Police Department.

Merry Christmas Vicksburg!

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Walter Armstrong is the Vicksburg Police Department’s Chief of Police.