Toast to Safety This New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most highly anticipated holidays for millions of people around the world who look forward to ringing in the new year with family and friends. Whether watching the ball drop in Times Square, attending a casual house party, or heading to a local bar, most of these events involve a variety of alcoholic beverages topped off by a champagne toast at midnight. Unfortunately, this is why New Years’ Eve is also one of the most dangerous driving holidays, second only to the 4th of July. In fact, approximately 13,000 people have died each year in drunk driving accidents on New Year’s Eve, or the early hours of New Year’s Day. However, by keeping some simple tips in mind this holiday season, you can get home safe and sound.

Holiday Safety Tips

• Choose a designated driver: Before you make your way to your destination, choose a member of your group who will be responsible for getting you safely home. If no one in your group is willing to be the designated driver, either arrange to stay the night, or call a cab or a ridesharing service.
• Consider taking public transportation: Many cities offer reduced rates on New Year’s Eve as a way to discourage drunk driving. This is a safe and affordable option if you do not have a designated driver.
• Check the weather report: Ice, snow, and freezing rain are fairly common in late December and January, particularly in certain parts of the country. If the weather forecast predicts heavy snow, consider cancelling your plans if they involve going out.
• Make safety New Year’s Resolution: If you are someone who makes New Year’s resolutions, making a commitment to safe driving will benefit you, as well as other motorists with whom you share the road.

Safety Tips for Hosts

If you are hosting a party on New Year’s Eve, the last thing you want is for one of your guests to drive home after having had too much to drink. To make sure that your guests make it home safely, keep the following tips in mind:

• Take guests’ car keys: Consider taking guests’ keys and keep them in a safe place. Alternatively, find out who the designated drivers are for your guests, and only confiscate those these.
• Offer non-alcoholic drinks: Make sure there are plenty of options for guests who are not drinking alcohol.

• Call an Uber or Lyft: Both companies allow hosts to “gift” a ride to a guest who is intoxicated.

• Offer a place to stay: If you have a guest who has had a lot to drink, but plans on driving home, offer an extra bed or a couch so that he or she does not risk driving drunk.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Drunk Driving Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable if people make smart, responsible choices. We take these accidents very seriously, and will hold the negligent party responsible for his or her actions. Our experienced legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.