Ring in the new year safely

Happy new year!

We know that 2009 was a rough year for the nation and for the Flathead Valley, dominated by global economic turmoil, job losses, and desperate government responses.

But as always, there have also been rays of sunshine amid the clouds, and it is appropriate to hope that the new year will bring some degree of recovery, particularly for those who have been hurt the worst by the recession.

What better way to kick off the new year here in the valley than by attending First Night Flathead events in Kalispell, and for the first time, in Columbia Falls.

The alcohol-free events feature live music, children’s activities and other entertainment on New Year’s Eve, capped off with countdowns to midnight.

The Kalispell events will be centered at the Kalispell Center Mall, with the countdown at the Red Lion Hotel Ballroom. The Columbia Falls countdown will be held at Discovery Square.

DRIVERS SHOULD go out of their way to avoid drinking and driving not only during New Year’s festivities, but at all times. Nonetheless, it is worth making a special plea today for everyone to be extra cautious.

We all know that there will be drinking tonight, and drinking means not everyone will be thinking clearly.

So if you are on the road, be careful, and if you see someone on the road who shouldn’t be, call the police. Please make sure all our friends and family get home safely to enjoy the new year.

TO UNDERSCORE the danger on Montana’s highways, one need only look at recent news stories that have shown a total of five pedestrians killed by vehicles in the last week.

The most horrific incident involved a man who struck four Hellgate High School freshmen girls basketball players who were walking along U.S. 200 near Bonner. Two of the girls were killed and the other two injured. The driver allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .14 and was talking on a cell phone when he struck the girls — and now he faces felony charges.

The danger of using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving is only too apparent. And it is also apparent that drivers are doing it anyway.

So pedestrians and bike riders need to remember they can’t count on drivers to do the right thing. If you are walking or pedaling on the highway, pay attention. The life you save may well be your own.