How to Stay Safe this New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting nights of the year: friends and family gathered together, reminiscing on the old year, planning for the new; watching fireworks, in person or on the TV; and a general enjoyment of the night all make this night special over others. However, there is a darker side to this merry-making, and that is the increase in accidents, incidents, and other crimes that go on that night.

To stay safe this year, make sure you have a plan for how the night should go. Here are some recommendations from Metier Law Firm to your family to keep this New Year’s Eve happy and healthy, and to start the New Year off right.

Plan a Way Home Before You Head Out

Many of us head to a party or a town- or city-wide event for the New Year. If you’re one of them, make sure you know a safe way to get home, either by walking (if it’s close enough to home), designating a driver beforehand, or planning to call a taxi or rideshare. Remember, the incidences of drinking and driving are much higher than normal on New Year’s Eve, so carpool if you can and be alert as you drive to and from the venue to avoid a costly and dangerous car accident.

Be Aware of Theft and Vandalism

If you do take a car out, be wary about car thieves. New Year’s Eve is a great time for them to take your unattended car; in fact, New Year’s is the second most-active day for car thefts. This is another good reason for carpooling, as well as finding parking in a well-lit area with lots of traffic.

Vandalism is also popular on New Year’s Eve, including smashing windows and slashing tires. Keeping your car at home is a great way to avoid these crimes of opportunity, so it’s something to consider if you can.

Don’t Drink and Drive

No matter what, don’t drink and then drive. Remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. The legal limit of 0.08% BAC is quite low, so if you feel buzzed, you very well might blow above it, and start the new year in the tank.

To make sure you’re not left stranded at the end of the night, save a local taxi service in your phone so you can call for a ride, or download Uber, Lyft, or another ride-sharing app. Some cities’ police departments also offer free rides home for revelers, so see if you can find one where you’re partying!

Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Fireworks are a joy for many on New Year’s Eve, but they’re also dangerous explosives. Especially if you plan on drinking, let the professionals handle fireworks: a missing finger or singed eyebrows aren’t worth the risk. In addition, setting off fireworks yourself is illegal in many jurisdictions, so you might be setting yourself up for a trip to court by setting off fireworks.

Stick Together at Public Events

Another key to staying safe at large public events is to stick together with your group. Make sure to check in periodically throughout the night, and don’t leave anyone behind! Following these steps will help make sure you stay safe to ring in the new year.

If You are the Victim of Personal Injury on New Year's Eve, Call Metier Law.

Remember, you’re celebrating the end of 2021 and the beginning of a new year! Don’t forget to have a good time while staying safe.

If you do end up the victim of an accident in Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming, you need a personal injury attorney who’ll fight for your rights. Give the law experts at Metier Law Firm a call today for a free consultation. Find out whether you have a case, how much you should seek in damages, and whether you even need an attorney by talking to us.