Without a doubt, New Year’s Eve is a night to celebrate and party with friends and family. However, while we celebrate the fresh start of a new year, countless lives will be lost or devastated only hours after the new year has commenced. As expected, alcohol will be present at the vast majority of all New Year’s Eve festivities. Now, unless you are celebrating in your home, at some point you will have to get behind the wheel and drive home. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), “approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher).” Furthermore, in 2016, approximately 10,497 people killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), during holiday periods, the occurrence of traffic fatalities and of alcohol-related traffic fatalities (ARTFs) is higher than during non-holiday periods.
Below are some great tips from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) designed to make sure you are safe.
- Before your New Year’s Eve celebration begins, make a plan to get home safely. If you know you are going to drink alcohol, designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time and leave your keys at home. Download a ride-sharing app or save the phone number of a local taxi service on your phone.
- If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Be as non-confrontational as possible, enlist a friend or two to help, and if possible get the person’s keys. If all else fails, call law enforcement.
- Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking. If you see someone driving drunk, always call the police.
- If you’re hosting, as guests RSVP, confirm that they have a plan for a safe way home with a non-drinking designated driver. Plan activities like party games or door-prize drawings that do not involve alcohol and engage people, resulting in lower consumption of booze as the night goes on. Keep the phone number of a taxi service on hand or offer your sofa to guests who need to stay put.
If you are involved in an accident were injured due to the negligence of another driver seek immediate attention from a personal injury litigation attorney. At LaBovick Law Group we have a team of qualified attorneys prepared to discuss your case 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Do not forget the consultation is free. Please have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!
