Saturday the world — at least most of it — will ring in the New Year.

The passing of another calendar year is often celebrated as the end of an old season and the dawn of a new one.

Many times those celebrations involve small, but important decisions that can have deadly effects.

“It’s just one drink.”

“I know my limits, and I’m fine.”

“I live nearby; It will only take me a minute to get home.”

People who are about to get behind the wheel of a car after having been drinking often make such statements as a way of minimizing the risks.

Perhaps you or someone you love is guilty of justifying dangerous behavior.

Stupid, split-second decisions  — made under the influence — can change lives forever.

Do not wait until after midnight on Saturday to figure out a smart plan of action. Do it now and prevent making a horrible and deadly mistake. Don’t drive under the influence.

Find someone else who can agree to serve as a designated driver and make sure that we all survive to see 2018 roll around the corner soon.