Risky roadblocks

We all know checkpoints are set up on holidays – be smart after celebrating.

Roadblocks set up around downtown Athens on Tuesday night caused an overflow in the Clarke County jail after some St. Patrick’s Day debauchery.

Surprising? Of course not.

But University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson told The Red & Black that roadblocks are set up on random days each month. We all know better than that.

It’s no secret that holidays – such as St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Fat Tuesday – are prime times for police officers to set up checkpoints. And we all know to avoid River and College Station Roads in particular as we make our way home.

The editorial board cautions those who partake in alcohol on such fun and festive holidays – and every other day – to be smart. Police officers are going to set up checkpoints, and if you think you’re in danger of blowing above a .08 – the legal limit for those over age 21 – call a friend to pick you up or just take a cab.

We’ve all heard the horror stories and warnings about DUIs. The hassle and cost of dealing with such a charge are greater than the alternatives.

- Shannon Otto for the editorial board

Spring has sprung

With six weeks left of classes, don’t let the beautiful weather distract you.

Especially after weathering the March snowstorm, most of us are ready to put away our winter sweaters and get out our flip-flops – permanently.

It’s the first day of spring, which means warmer weather, flower blossoms and an overwhelming desire to skip class and bask in the sunlight.

Play hooky or attend a lecture? Tempting though skipping class is, resist.

Only six weeks of class remain this semester, which will go by faster than you may think.

It’s just enough time to redeem low grades from January and February, which will help any procrastinators out there.

But it’s also enough time to ruin GPAs if we spend more time outdoors hitting the trails than inside hitting the books.

Make sure you’re one of the students who keeps up with important assignments.

Even if you have to write that 10-page research paper sitting under a tree on North Campus, make sure you don’t come down with spring fever.

- Kelly Shaul for the editorial board