Avoid Unnecessary Injury This New Year’s Eve

It’s almost time to ring in the new year once again. For many, the beginning of each year marks a time of reflection–an opportunity to take stock of your life and make resolutions to enact desired changes. It’s also a time of celebration–of rowdy partying and heavy drinking.

Instances of drunk driving skyrocket on New Year’s Eve–impacting intoxicated drivers and innocent victims alike. On this day of the year, traffic fatalities are as much as three times higher than on other days of the year–and many of these are caused by drunk drivers.

If you’re planning to go out this New Year’s Eve, it’s important to plan ahead for a safe night. If you plan to drink:

• Find a sober friend who can drive you home,

• Call a taxi or rideshare service,

• Take public transit (operating on New Year’s Eve only–not on New Year’s Day) or

• Arrange to stay overnight at a friend’s house.

You may think that walking home is a safe option. However, be cautious about walking home while under the influence. Alcohol can impair your balance, making you more prone to slipping on ice or tripping over other obstacles in the dark. Slip-and-falls can lead to serious injuries–including broken bones and even traumatic brain injury.

Any time you combine alcohol with animated celebration, the chance of rowdiness, recklessness and injury surges. If you suffer injury on New Year’s Eve due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case.

We hope you have a happy and healthy New Year’s celebration.