Law enforcement agencies are hoping this year may be a little slower on New Year’s Eve because it is falling on a Wednesday night.

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell said Wednesday New Year’s Eves are generally slower than those that fall on the weekends.

“We’re hoping that trend continues this time,” Stilwell said.

However, Clanton Police are not taking any chances. Stilwell said they are planning to have an extra officer out on patrol looking for DUIs and other unsafe activities that could occur.

“We hope to have some checkpoints around town to watch for drunken driving, but that will depend on just how busy we are,” he said.

Stilwell recommends that you plan to stay where you are going to be partying until the next morning or at least have a designated driver.

“The best thing is to try to spend the night at the friend’s house especially when you are going to be drinking,” Stilwell said. “If you can’t stay, have a designated driver or plan to drive as little as possible and to drive very defensively, wearing your seat belts.”

– Brent Maze can be reached at brent.maze@clantonadvertiser.com.