The end of the year is a time for celebration and joy. But unfortunately, the revelry of New Year’s Eve also brings increased risks of accidents and injuries. Stay safe this holiday season by being aware of these tips for avoiding drunk driving, protecting pedestrians, and hosting parties responsibly.
Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving continues to be one of the leading causes of automobile accidents, injuries, and fatalities—especially around the holidays.
Here are some key strategies for keeping impaired drivers off the roads this New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles:
Plan Ahead
- Decide ahead of time who the designated sober driver will be. Make arrangements to take public transportation, a taxi, or a ride share service like Uber or Lyft.
- If you will be hosting a party, help coordinate carpools with sober drivers to shuttle intoxicated guests home safely.
- Don’t let friends drive if they’ve been drinking. Take their keys if necessary. Nobody wants to be phoning a personal injury law firm Los Angeles in a panic on New Years Day.
- For larger group trips, consider booking a party bus or limo service where guests can drink responsibly under supervision.
Limit Alcohol Intake
- Pace yourself by having no more than one drink per hour. Alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water.
- Eat a meal before or while drinking to slow the effects of alcohol. Choose foods high in protein like meats, cheese, and nuts.
- Stop drinking alcohol at least 1-2 hours before driving or leaving a party. Coffee won’t sober you up quickly. Time is the only cure.
- Set a limit on the number of drinks you’ll have and stick to it. Don’t let peer pressure lead to overconsumption.
Be Accountable
- Let family and friends know your plans ahead of time so they can check in on you. Make a pact to keep each other from driving drunk.
- If you see an intoxicated person about to get behind the wheel, get their keys and call them a ride. They may be angry in the moment, but you could save their life.
- Form a group chat with your friends and agree to report when you’ve arrived home safely after a night of drinking.
Know the Law
- In California, a driver with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally intoxicated. But impairment can occur at lower levels.
- For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can constitute a DUI. Teens should abstain completely.
- Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test can result in stiff penalties including fines and driver’s license suspension.
- A DUI conviction stays on your record for 10 years and can increase your insurance rates and affect your job prospects.
- Lawyers in Los Angeles will fight for compensation for victims of drunk drivers.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
In addition to drunk drivers, New Year’s Eve brings increased risks to pedestrians as well. Protect yourself using these tips:
Be Visible
- Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night so drivers can see you easily. Light colors are also helpful.
- Carry a flashlight or wear something else reflective like an armband, bracelet, or vest. Attach reflectors to your shoes or bag.
- Avoid dark clothing at night and keep headphones/phones off when crossing streets. Maintain full awareness.
Cross Carefully
- Only cross at designated corners and crosswalks. Avoid jaywalking or crossing mid-block.
- Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
- Keep a buffer zone around groups so drivers see you. Don’t crowd crosswalks.
- Watch your step and avoid potholes/uneven pavement, especially if wearing heels after parties.
- Don’t rush when crossing streets. Move at a safe pace even if you have the walk signal.
Stay Alert
- Walk in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid dimly lit streets or isolated routes, even if they seem like shortcuts.
- Don’t let alcohol or drugs impair your judgment/reaction time as a pedestrian. Maintain full control.
- Put phones away when crossing and remain aware of all traffic around you. Make eye contact.
- Avoid distraction from loud music in earbuds which can dull awareness of dangers.
- Stay alert to the noises of approaching engines, horns, squealing brakes. Don’t make assumptions.
Responsible Party Hosting Tips
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party this year, make sure it’s a safe and responsible celebration for you and your guests by following these tips:
Limit and Monitor Alcohol
- Only serve alcohol to guests aged 21 and up. Check IDs if needed. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party ends.
- Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks as an option such as water, soda, juice or mocktails.
- Don’t push drinks. Let guests pace themselves. Cut off anyone who has had too much.
- Mix and measure drinks yourself or hire a bartender. Don’t let guests mix their own strong concoctions.
Promote Safe Transportation
- Encourage guests to designate a sober driver, take a taxi/Uber or crash at your place for the night.
- Provide phone numbers for ride shares and keep local taxi numbers posted and handy.
- Take the keys from anyone attempting to drive drunk and connect them with a sober driver. Offer to pay for their ride.
Serve Food
- Provide plenty of snacks and food to slow alcohol absorption, such as proteins, starches, fruits, cheeses.
- Remember that salty foods increase thirst so provide water too. Also, offer some healthier options like veggies.
- Don’t just put out bowls of chips. Replenish platters and encourage guests to refuel.
- Consider serving a full meal either before or during the party to line stomachs.
Create a Safe Space
- Remove tripping hazards and secure rugs. Ensure adequate lighting indoors and out.
- Provide seating so intoxicated guests don’t lose balance. Have phone numbers handy for a medical emergency.
- Set house rules ahead of time such as no drug use, smoking only in designated areas, and respecting noise levels.
- Keep walkways clear. Have vomit bags, aspirin, and blankets available to care for extremely impaired guests.
Be Accountable
- Monitor noise and disturbances to avoid upsetting neighbors. Turn down the music if needed.
- Make sure underage drinking is prevented. Don’t allow guests to arrive already intoxicated.
- Maintain control over who comes and goes from your party. Don’t let strangers wander in.
- Check on intoxicated guests frequently. Take car keys or call for help at the first sign of alcohol poisoning.
Contact Us if You Get Injured
Following these common sense tips for drunk driving prevention, pedestrian safety, and responsible party hosting can help make this New Year’s Eve a safe and happy one. But if an accident still occurs involving an intoxicated driver or guest, contact our Los Angeles personal injury law firm for a free case evaluation at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). Our experienced attorneys are here to help you recover damages and find justice. Call now or visit our website to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney Los Angeles.
