Staying Safe on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to reflect upon last year and to welcome in the new year and new opportunities! It is marked with a sparkling celebration, late-night parties, and champagne toasts. And needless to say, any New Year’s Eve party is among the biggest and best of the entire year!
Yet, in spite of this festive time, New Year’s Eve can pose several threats to those on the road. With an increase in alcohol consumption, potentially inclement weather, and an influx of nighttime drivers, getting behind the wheel can be especially threatening this time of year.There are several ways in which you can stay safe this New Year’s Eve. Keep in mind these safety tips as we approach the year’s biggest celebration!
Safety Tips for New Years
- Designate a driver. Make your designated driver selection before heading out to your celebration. This will make it clear to everyone who will stay sober to drive everyone home safely.
- Arrange to stay overnight. If you are able, it may be a smart choice to stay the night wherever you end up. This will ensure that no one in your party drives home unsafely.
- Use public transportation. In some major cities, public transport such as trains and buses are discounted on New Year’s Eve. So be sure to take advantage! This is an inexpensive and safe option.
- Get a cab or Uber. Though this will be more expensive, it is certainly convenient. However, keep in mind that in big cities, using a taxi or Uber will be a popular choice for many. So, consider a backup option in case you are not able to get a shared ride. And be sure to share your ride with as many as you can.
- Don’t leave your car somewhere overnight. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, New Year’s Day is the most active holiday for car thefts. However, leaving your vehicle somewhere is far safer than driving it home while under the influence of alcohol. So, if you must abandon it for the night, make sure to pick it up as early as you can the next day.
- Plan for your guests’ safety. If you’re hosting a party, be sure that your guests get home safely. While each should take responsibility for their own safe actions, you can help them by making sure they have not had too much to drink. And if they need to spend the night, be prepared to provide them the opportunity to do so.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions. New Year’s Eve comes in the middle of winter. So, you may need to deal with some inclement weather. Pay attention to reports and carefully consider if the weather should keep you from going out. Remember, staying in can be just as fun as going out! And in the face of winter storms, it is much safer as well.
- Enjoy the evening, but always take driving seriously. Don’t use your phone, don’t speed, always wear your seat belt, and never drink and drive. And make sure to encourage your friends and family to do the same.
New Year’s Eve is among the most festive times of the year. It is filled with joy for the year past and hope for the year to come. But when it comes to driving, be sure that you take careful precautions on this night.
Contacting an Attorney
We at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. wish you a wonderful, safe, and happy New Year’s Eve! And in the case of an accident on this or any other night of the year, be sure to seek our expert legal counsel and advocacy. We are here for you in your greatest times of need!
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.