Celebrating safely on New Year's Eve

TAMPA (Fox 13) - From fireworks displays to big bar bashes and private parties plenty of people will be on the roads this New Year's, but unfortunately not all of them will be sober. 

Each year emergency responders ring in the new year at crash scenes. Law enforcement officials say the increase in crashes is caused by more cars on the road and more inebriated drivers getting behind the wheel.

"If you can avoid being on the roads that's a good idea, especially if you're going to drive yourself," said Hillsborough County Master Deputy Jerry Carey, who says statistics show certain times are more dangerous on the road ways than others. "Statistics show nationwide that between 6 and 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve are kind of the hot times as far as traffic crashes in general, and then on New Year's day, midnight to about 3 a.m. we see an uptick in traffic crashes as well."

Law enforcement across Tampa Bay will be beefing up their presence on our roads Sunday night. Carey says between cabs, Uber, Lyft and AAA's free Tow To Go program there's simply no excuse for anyone who may've over indulged on holiday spirits to get behind the wheel. 

AAA's Tow To Go service is meant to be a last resort option so it can't be reserved ahead of time. It is free and open to both AAA members and non-members. To learn more visit: https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/safety/tow_to_go.aspx