DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — "One day's decision on New Year's Eve could cost you the rest of your life in prison," said Sergeant Scott Flannery of the Macon County Sheriff's Office.

Driving under the influence can cause some serious consequences. 

"Imagine you hurt someone else in that accident. Worse case scenario, you take another person's life … it's just not worth to take it to that extreme," said Flannery. 

Flannery advised anyone who's planning to go out drinking tonight to have some plans prior to leaving the house. 

"'My friend is going to drive' or 'I've got a plan to where I'm going to stay at this person's house and come home the next morning'. Proper planning is actually the best thing you could do — you can get a ride home, leave your car where it's at. A friend or family would gladly come get you and take you home, rather than come pick you up in Macon county jail," said Flannery. 

If you're too drunk to drive, but don't want to leave your car behind. TMG Towing is offering a safer solution. 

"So from today to the second, we'll be doing $35. Safe rides is what we call them… if you're worried about getting your car home or yourself, instead of trying to risk driving, we'll come to you., tow you can your car home for $35," said tow truck operator Trenton Gilman. 

TMG Towing is offering this service at the discounted price to remind people that it's okay to ask for help, and not okay to drive drunk. 

"We do this to help people out. For one, it saves lives, saves people a lot of money (instead) of a DUI. That's really just about helping people," said Gilman.

Other area tow companies offer similar services.

Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.