If you’re traveling this holiday season, you’re almost certain to see an electronic billboard displaying the number of roadway fatalities that have occurred this year. As of this writing, the Virginia Department of Transportation said 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 doesn’t include those that happened on Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

We will almost all be celebrating the new year in some kind of way, and many of those celebrations will include alcohol. If you partake in such activities, we at The Tidewater News hope that 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 an aforementioned statistic.

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 that 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 Tidewater News, and we’re counting on you being safe and sound when the new year arrives.