Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the end of the year and all your accomplishments as well as any hardships you have endured. It is a time to reflect on past experiences and plans for the new year. Resolutions aside, New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights for emergency responders as there is an uptick in accidents, DUIs, and other safety issues. With that said, there are a few safety precautions you and your loved ones can follow to stay safe.
Plan Your Night Ahead of Time
By planning your night out in advance, you can make sure you have a safe evening.
- Have a designated driver picked out before you start partying. You can also arrange for a ride share service like Uber or Lyft, and possibly even schedule your ride or rides in advance. Depending on your area, there are other safe ride home options like AAA’s Tow to Go program.
- Know where you are going and map out your best parking strategies. NYE is a busy night, so make sure you plan for that. Figure out where you are going to park or get dropped off and have a backup plan.
- Stay in one place. Sticking to one location can mean that you have a more enjoyable night. Try to avoid hopping to various areas around town. If you do like to visit multiple spots, opt for a location that has multiple bars/restaurants within walking distance.
Drink Responsibly
Let’s be real, alcohol is a part of most NYE celebrations, but be aware that overindulging in alcohol can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Make sure to pace yourself. Match every alcoholic beverage with a glass of water so that you stay hydrated.
- Know your limits. Stop drinking once you start to feel the effects of alcohol kicking in.
- Stick to your comfort zone. Do not let friends pressure you into drinking more than you are comfortable with.
Do Not Drive Drunk
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 179 fatalities could occur on American roadways over the New Year’s Day holiday. This is why it is very important to avoid drinking and driving.
- Use ride share services, like Uber or Lyft. Just download the apps and save your CC information so that you can access rides quickly and easily.
- Call a friend or family member. If you cannot get a ride due to surge pricing or lack of drivers in your area, consider calling a friend or family member that you know is sober to pick you up. Getting behind the wheel after drinking is never a good idea. Save AAA’s number in your phone as they are offering their Tow to Go Program in Florida this NYE. AAA’s number is (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
- Spend the night at a friend’s house or hotel nearby. If you are at a friend’s party, consider crashing on their couch until you have sobered up and can drive yourself home safely. Similarly, if you are at a restaurant or party at a hotel, consider booking a room in advance so that you do not have to think about driving home on NYE.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
While you may be sober on NYE, others most likely are not.
- Avoid driving between midnight and 3 a.m. which is when many of the party goers are starting to head home.
- Report any dangerous drivers. If you see another motorist driving erratically, do not be afraid to report them to your local law enforcement. This could save lives.
- Drive defensively. Make sure you are alert on the roadway and keep a safe distance between your car and other vehicles.
Party Responsibly at Home
If you are hosting a NYE bash, make sure you keep your guests safe.
- Serve food. Food can help slow down alcohol absorption, so have plenty of snacks and other food items.
- Have non-alcoholic beverage options. Mocktails are fun and can help those who don’t drink or don’t want to steer clear of alcohol. Waters and sodas are a good idea to have on hand as well.
- Keep an eye on your guests. If you notice someone has had too much to drink, make sure they have a safe ride home or offer them your guest room or couch to sleep it off.
Protect Yourself from Fireworks
Fireworks are legal in Florida on three days – Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Last year, emergency departments treated 9,700 injuries due to fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Burns accounted for 42% of cases, with the most prevalent injuries being to the hands and fingers, followed by the head, eyes, feet and legs. Tragically, eight people were killed, the most of which were caused by faulty or misused explosives.
Here are some safe fireworks celebration suggestions from the CPSC.
- Never let kids play with or light sparklers or other fireworks.
- Have a garden hose or bucket of water on standby in case of an emergency, such as a fire.
- Light the fireworks one at a time, then retreat swiftly.
- Never attempt to pick up or relight partially ignited fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Sparkler Safety
According to a recent survey, most parents believe it is acceptable for young children to play with sparklers, although they may burn at temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to a blow torch. Additionally, they cause 2,000 eye injuries annually. When you are finished using them, soak them in water before throwing them out, like you would with regular fireworks.
Our Florida Injury Lawyers Are Available 24/7 NYE and New Year’s Day
If you or someone you love is injured in a NYE accident, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will be available for a free consultation. We can come to you, so do not hesitate to call us anytime at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.
From all of us at Whittel & Melton, have a very safe and Happy New Year!