As the holiday season swings into high gear, here's some sobering news: The number of arrests for drunken driving on O'ahu is going up, probably to an eight-year high.

And while this trend is largely due to more aggressive enforcement efforts, it comes with a more worrisome statistic: 0.155.

That's the average blood-alcohol level of the 3,268 people arrested as of Oct. 31, according to the Honolulu Police Department. It's nearly twice the legally drunk standard of 0.08.

Those numbers are "frightening for the safety of Hawai'i's roads," says city Prosecutor Peter Carlisle.

He's right. We all need to be more careful out there — drivers and pedestrians alike.

Because while statistics don't provide the complete picture, they suggest a discouraging trend: Despite massive anti-DUI campaigns and stiffer legal penalties, plenty of drivers still haven't gotten the message. And they're apparently drinking more heavily than ever.

This makes crossing the street, walking to the car in a crowded mall parking lot, even driving home a calculated gamble.

And at this time of year, when busy, distracted holiday shoppers fill the roads, malls and crosswalks, vigilance is even more critical.

So, please: Slow down. Be careful crossing the street. Don't drink and drive. If you do drink, have someone who's sober drive you home, or call a cab or a friend.

After all, you don't want to miss the joy of the next few weeks: family celebrations, Christmas, New Year's, the Warriors winning the Sugar Bowl.

Have a happy — and safe — holiday season.