"Make it a joyous start to 2009, not a tragic one," said Capt. Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

Sheriff's deputies want party-goers to celebrate responsibly and use a designated driver or other safe alternative accommodations. A designated driver is an individual within a group of people drinking alcoholic beverages at an event/establishment who remains sober to drive the others home afterward.

"We can't stress enough the importance of celebrating New Year's Eve without endangering yourself, loved ones or others in the community," said La Berge.

Santa Clarita Safe Rides provides free, safe and confidential rides home to teenagers who are not in a condition to drive or want to avoid being a passenger with a dangerous driver. Call (661) 259-6330 on New Year's Eve or any Friday or Saturday night.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department does not condone underage drinking, but does recognize the value of the safe rides program.