At the tail end of the holiday season every year is New Year’s Eve, a time for celebration and reflection on the past 12 months. A lot of people choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends, either at a public celebration or a private get-together. No matter how you decide to celebrate, the team at Phillips Law Group has some safety tips to recommend that should help you stay safe this New Year’s Eve.
The number one safety measure to keep in mind on New Year’s Eve is driving safely, and that means absolutely no drinking and driving. Parties on New Year’s Eve too often result in impaired people driving home from wherever they’ve chosen to celebrate the big occasion. Driving while under the influence heavily increases the risk of a car accident, and you should never get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
Make sure to plan a safe way to get home before you start drinking if you choose to consume alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Having a designated driver ready and waiting, or using a rideshare or other car or limo service, are all excellent options to avoid impaired driving. If you’re somewhere with public transportation, that can be a great, affordable alternative as well.
Sadly, some people will still choose to drive after drinking on New Year’s Eve, so if you do end up driving that evening – whether you’re driving yourself or you’re a designated driver for others – be vigilant and keep an eye out for impaired drivers who are not driving as safely as you are.
If you, unfortunately, find yourself in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, make sure to gather all the information you can at the site of the collision, including taking photos for evidence, and call both your insurance company — to report the accident — and a healthcare provider for a check-up after the crash. And consider calling the car accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group if you need an attorney after a wreck.
If you are hosting others on New Year’s Eve, make sure to prepare with a few safety precautions before your guests arrive. Making a checklist of things like testing smoke detectors, inspecting the security of fences and gates around pools or hot tubs, and having a fire extinguisher available can make all the difference in avoiding unnecessary tragedy during the holiday.
It’s also a good idea, whether you’re hosting a party or attending as a guest, to follow COVID-19 protocols for any New Year’s Eve gatherings. It might be wise to have people do rapid tests before getting together, and to consider getting fully vaccinated – including boosters – if you haven’t already done so. Wearing masks in crowded areas, particularly indoors, can help prevent transmission of the virus, too.
And if you feel sick, stay home! New Year’s Eve happens every year, and it’s not worth getting your loved ones sick just to make it to the party anyway.
Finally, some people choose to have a fireworks display during a New Year’s Eve party. Be sure to exercise caution with all fireworks and follow all local laws when it comes to using them, no matter if you set them off on New Year’s Eve or for another celebration.
Follow these tips to stay safe, and enjoy your New Year’s Eve! The team at Phillips Law Group will be here and happy to assist you with your legal needs in 2023.
Happy New Year!
