Tips for Safe Driving in the New Year’s Eve
According to a recent survey commissioned by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), people are more likely to be seriously injured from alcohol related vehicle mishaps on New Year’s Eve compared to any other mid-week winter evening. Below are some tips to keep you safe and sound on New Year’s Eve.
1) Look for bars that offer free rides home. One of the worst places to be at when you are drunk is behind the wheel of a car. Check out bars that offer free rides home to customers. There are other groups as well that offer free rides home like church organizations, civic organizations and college youth groups. Be sure to get their numbers in advance and have them with you before you head off to bars. If no free rides are available in your area, resort to taking public transport like buses or taxis.
2) Keep an eye on drivers who drive erratically. Even if you have not had a drink during the New Year, look out for drivers that seem to drive their cars haphazardly since they might be under the influence of alcohol and have impaired eye-hand coordination. If you see someone say driving in a zig-zag fashion or who make turns in an abrupt fashion and for no good reason, alert the cops and keep a safe distance.
3) Make contingency plans. Plan ahead and draft a contingency plan by assigning someone to be sober all throughout the night and have this person later on drive everyone home after the party. Also consider the possibility of you sleeping over the house of the host, making arrangements in advance, should it become necessary. It is always a good thing to think ahead and to make plans in advance to avoid unsavoury events from happening.
4) Check weather conditions. Winter condition can make roads dangerous even for people who have not consumed alcohol. Black ice is a huge possibility during freezing weather, which can make roads slippery and hazardous for driving. Stay within speed limits and obey traffic rules. Check out weather updates before you head out to a party and make appropriate adjustments to your evening plans if necessary.
5) If you are the host of a party, make rules and plans during and after the party. Consider setting aside accommodations for people for a sleepover after the party. Make sure that people go home with a sober driver or volunteer to drive your guests home as well. During the party, you can also offer guests alcohol-free beverages.
