The Virginia Department of Transportation notes that 725 people have died as a result of accidents on the state’s highways since Jan. 1. That’s an increase from the 687 fatalities in 2014, and it doesn’t include those that have happened since Christmas Eve.

Most of us will be celebrating New Year’s Eve somehow, and many of those celebrations will include alcohol. If you partake in such activities, we hope you make a plan to get home safely. Doing so will help make sure that you, a loved one or innocent passers-by don’t become one of this year’s highway statistics.

And if you forget to plan ahead, AAA Tidewater has a safety net for you.

Through its Tipsy Tow program, AAA Tidewater is offering intoxicated drivers free rides and tows home through 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. Those who believe they are too impaired to drive can call dispatchers at 631-1700 or 1-800-AAA-HELP and ask for the Tipsy Tow service. It is confidential and available to both AAA members and non-members.

Callers should note the service is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for only the driver and the car, and that the only allowable destination is the driver’s residence.

We’re thankful that each of you take your time reading the Suffolk News-Herald, and we’re counting on you being safe and sound when the new year arrives.