New Year's Eve is a time for celebration, but it can also be one of the most dangerous nights on the road. The combination of parties and alcohol significantly increases the risk of drunk driving incidents. To ensure everyone's safety during the festivities, here are some valuable tips to help prevent drunk driving.

Hosting a Party?

Serve Nonalcoholic Drinks:
Provide a variety of delicious nonalcoholic beverages such as mocktails, soda, sparkling water, and juices. This gives guests the option to enjoy the party without the risk of impairment. Creative and attractive drink options can make non-drinkers feel included in the celebration.

Ask About Plans for a Designated Driver:
When inviting guests, inquire if they have a designated driver. A designated driver is someone who agrees to stay sober and drive others home safely. It's a simple yet effective way to show you care about their safety.

Offer Alternative Transportation:
Have contact information for taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft readily available. You can also arrange a carpool system where sober drivers take turns driving groups of friends home. Consider prearranging transportation for guests who don't have a safe way to get home.

Give Them a Place to Crash:
If guests have had too much to drink, offer them a place to stay for the night. Whether it's a couch, spare bed, or even some blankets and pillows on the floor, it's much safer than letting them drive home under the influence.

Confiscate Keys at the Door:
Collect keys from guests as they arrive and only return them if they are sober. This ensures that no one can leave your party and drive drunk. Make it a fun part of the event by having a decorative bowl or container for guests to drop their keys into.

Going Out?

Have a Designated Driver:
Plan ahead and choose someone in your group to be the designated driver. This person will stay sober and ensure that everyone gets home safely. Rotate the responsibility among friends to make it fair.

Take a Taxi:
If you don't have a designated driver, use a taxi service or a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft. The cost of a ride is a small price to pay for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Stay Over:
If you're attending a party far from home, consider staying overnight. Ask the host if you can sleep over or book a nearby hotel room. It's a safer alternative than risking a drive home after drinking.

Give Your Keys to the Host:
Hand your keys over to the host if you plan on drinking. This precaution ensures you won't be tempted to drive home while impaired. A responsible host will appreciate your proactive approach to safety.

How Many Accidents Happen On New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve is notoriously one of the most dangerous times for driving due to the high incidence of drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all traffic fatalities on New Year's Eve involve drunk drivers. From 2008 to 2017, an average of 300 people died in drunk-driving crashes between Christmas and New Year. This period sees a significant spike in DUI-related accidents compared to the rest of the year.

In 2018 alone, there were 285 fatalities due to drunk driving during the Christmas to New Year's holiday period. The NHTSA reports that drunk driving accidents increase by as much as 25% during the holidays, highlighting the need for extra caution and preventive measures.

Hit By An Intoxicated Driver On New Year's? Here Are Some Steps To Follow

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident with a drunk driver on New Year's Eve, it's essential to know the steps to take to protect yourself and ensure proper handling of the situation.

1. Call 911 Immediately:
   Report the accident and any injuries to emergency services right away. Ensure that medical help is on the way if needed and that law enforcement is informed.

2. Document the Scene:
   Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal actions. Additionally, write down details about the incident while they are still fresh in your mind.

3. Exchange Information:
   Obtain the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, collect their contact details as well. Witnesses can provide valuable third-party accounts of what happened.

4. Avoid Confrontation:
   The driver may be intoxicated and unpredictable. Keep interactions to a minimum and wait for law enforcement to handle the situation. It's important to remain calm and avoid escalating any tensions.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company:
   Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation you have collected. Your insurance company can guide you through the claims process.

6. Seek Legal Advice:
   Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in DUI accidents. They can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you receive any compensation you may be entitled to.

Looking for DUI Checkpoints?

If you want to know where and when DUI checkpoints are happening, visit DUIcheckpointsFinder.com. They update daily with the latest information to help you stay informed and safe.

By following these tips and being cautious, you can help make New Year's Eve a safer and more enjoyable celebration for everyone. Remember, your actions can make a significant difference in preventing drunk driving incidents. Stay safe and have a happy New Year!