New Year's Eve is a time of celebration -- of both the last 12 months as well as the year ahead. But many people celebrate a little too much. On average, drunk driving takes more lives on New Year's Day than any other day of the year, and the majority of DUI arrests across the nation occur between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season by celebrating safely.
Going out to celebrate?
Plan your safe ride home before you start partying. Do you have a trusted friend who will serve as a designated driver? As a thank you, you can offer to pay for your pal's expenses, which might include non-alcoholic beverages, food and transportation to get them home safely. If that's not an option, look into professional designated driver companies that are available in many major U.S. markets.
Hosting a party?
Consider your guests and their safety as you plan. Include a link to ride sharing or taxi services with your invitation and encourage guests to coordinate rides together. (Creating a Facebook event page is an easy way to do this.) Collect keys at the door to ensure intoxicated guests don't leave unexpectedly. Provide plenty of food, along with non-alcoholic beverages, throughout the celebration. If a friend is too drunk to drive, enlist the help of a sober friend or call a cab for a safe ride home.
See someone who's about to drive under the influence?
Let them know there are other options that can keep them and others safe. Does your city have a free ride service for New Year's Eve? If so, make the call for them. Transportation apps like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar offer similar services to taxis and ride shares with a moment's notice.
