ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson wants people with plans to go out on New Year's Eve to be aware that deputies will have a stronger presence than usual on the roads around Alamosa, and they'll be especially on the look out for drivers who seem impaired.

"We got a DUI grant with funding that we use for nights like this," he told the Valley Courier, "when people don't always make good decisions. So we're telling people don't drink and drive. Use moderation in what you're doing and use your basic common sense. It's really pretty simple."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, in 2024, 375 people were killed on New Year's Eve in auto accidents. Of those fatal crashes, 42% involved alcohol.  That's a 208% increase from the rest of the year.

"We understand people want to celebrate a New Year," he said. "We just want them to be safe and we want the other people on the road to be safe, too. Just don't drink and drive. That's all."