For many, 2016 has been less than a stellar year, the reasons for which are plentiful and no need to list them here. We’re anxious to wish it farewell and usher in a new, promising 2017.

However, don’t let your New Year’s celebration cause you much money and heartache.

If your celebration plans include alcohol, please plan now for a designated driver to get you home safely.

Not only do you risk your own life and the lives of others when you drive drunk or impaired in any way, a drunken driving offense is a costly one.

First offenders face jail time up to 48 hours and fines and court costs in excess of $1,000, not to mention the fees you have to pay to an attorney, or the cost of having a suspended drivers license for 90 days or more.

Second offense drunken drivers are in for a world of woe, with increased fines and fees, increased jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

But the greatest cost of driving while drunk or impaired is the loss of life. Consider the loss to your family and loved ones if your drunk driving costs you your life.

Further, consider the loss to you if your stupid, selfish move to drive while drunk costs the life or lives of another. Vicksburg Police Chief Walter Armstrong and Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace plan to have officers and deputies out in force. Those law enforcement officers are going to do their utmost to catch every drunken driver who embarks on any road in Vicksburg or Warren County, including the use of random roadblocks.

If you get behind the wheel of a car after you have been drinking, we sincerely hope that a police officer or sheriff’s deputy catches you and that a judge throws the book at you.

No one has any excuse for driving drunk or while buzzed. None. Don’t ruin your year at its very start by thinking it’s something you can get away with.