Oh, the anticipation of celebrations on New Year’s Eve — the kind that do not involve the pressure of exchanging gifts or catering to the younger members of the family. For some, it is an occasion to dress up, go out, and party in a way that perhaps they might not at any other time of year.

That doesn’t make it OK to throw caution to the wind and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

According to the National Safety Council, the New Year’s holiday weekend can be deadly. (For the NSC, that period is from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday this year.)

The organization estimates 375 people may die on U.S. roadways over that period. To use previous year’s statistics to get some idea of how those deaths occur, in 2021, 40% of the fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

If the estimate is correct, and the same percentage applies, that would mean 150 deaths as a result of someone deciding to drive while impaired by alcohol.

Those are entirely preventable deaths — if each of us uses sound judgment.

Should you choose to ring in the New Year with alcohol, know your limits, designate a driver (or, even better, be a designated driver), and then do not drive while under the influence.

Relatedly, do not underestimate the degree to which you remain under the influence even well after that last drink.

Hosts, keep an eye on guests and offer them a couch to crash on, or call a cab or ride share rather than letting them grab their keys if they are unfit to drive home.

Be smart and responsible with your celebrations. Start 2024 with nothing more than perhaps a headache to cloud the prospects of a bright, shiny new year.

Or, don’t touch a drop and start the year with a clear head to tackle the resolutions you’ve set. There is no end to the possibilities for celebration that don’t end in driving under the influence.

Make a New Year’s eve resolution, then. Don’t drink and drive.