Watch out for others in festive season

THOSE end-of-year Christmas functions can be a heap of fun. That fun can soon be marred by booze, though.

Alcohol flows freely and everyone has a great time catching up - letting their hair down and kicking up their heels at these events after a hard year.

But all this can lead to tragedy - whether that be on the roads because of a drunk driver or in a park with a woman being indecently violated, or domestic violence behind closed doors.

There is little we can do to stop a person from getting blind drunk and becoming violent once they have gone past the point of reason - unless we just pull the plug on the supply of alcohol to them earlier.

In some cases this can be done, especially if you are out with work mates and bosses. But the reality is most people think it's funny to watch someone absolutely blotto on booze. You just need to look at the video clips people load on to Facebook or YouTube of the antics people get up to while tanked up. Inhibitions are thrown out the window.

When our friends and work colleagues are tanked up: this is when we need to keep an extra eye out for them.

Don't let your female friend walk home or wander off alone after drinking or you are leaving her vulnerable and at the mercy of a depraved person. You could help keep her safe by getting her a taxi or taking her home yourself. Remember she can't think rationally or defend herself while boozed up.

If you hear your neighbour yelling at his partner or abusing her, don't ignore it - ring police or, if you know them well enough, pop over and see if things are okay.

Maybe a friendly face could help calm things down.

Christmas alone can bring added stress to any family budget and once someone already under stress gets a skin full of booze they often lose it with those they love or make a stupid mistake they wouldn't normally make while sober.

Let's show we care by making sure others in our community are safe this festive season. Take those car keys off someone you know has had too much to drink and make sure they too get home safely.

Here is hoping all have a safe and merry Christmas without any regrets.

Be safe out there.