We want to reinforce the message simply in today’s story by staff writer Barbara Allen regarding drinking and driving.

Please don’t.

First, we really don’t want to type your obituary. But don’t take our word for it. How about remembering that especially during holiday times the police will be on extra alert.

If your vehicle seems to be traveling even a little too careless on the highways and byways, you’ll see blue lights flashing for your attention.

Thankfully, Suffolk residents generally understand the perils of drinking and getting behind a car wheel. The fact that related fatalities are down in the city is an example of this realization. Would that the rest of the country were as smart as we are.