2020 is almost here! For many, this means one last bash before we start looking forward to our new year. Whatever your plans are to ring in 2020, the most important thing on New Year’s Eve is to have fun and stay safe.
So, how can you ensure that your New Year’s Eve doesn’t end with an injury or worse? Here are a few of our favorite safety tips.
Plan for a Safe Ride Home BEFORE You Start Your Evening Festivities
New Year’s Eve is a major night for impaired driving throughout the U.S. You may not be able to stop others from driving drunk, but you can ensure that you, your friends, and your family have a sober driver. The best way to do this, though, is to plan ahead. The last thing you want, at the end of the night, is to find out that there was a misunderstanding about the group’s designated driver.
Whether you are planning on getting a taxi, an Uber or Lyft ride, or someone in your group will be the designated driver — make sure that you have a clear plan before the evening begins.
If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration, you can help keep others safe too. As guests arrive, ask them about their designated drivers or if they are planning on catching a cab or rideshare at the end of the night. Be sure to have non-alcoholic drinks available for people who’ll be driving, and check on designated drivers throughout the night.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you plan on drinking this New Year’s Eve or not, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave beverages unattended and keep an eye on your friends. If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to tell someone. At any point in the night, if someone is making you uncomfortable, immediately move away from them. Seek help from friends, someone who works at the venue, or the police if they persist.
Whether you are out at a public venue, or celebrating at someone’s home, keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave purses or wallets out in the open, where they could be taken or where you could accidentally leave them behind. Losing your ID, wallet, or something valuable could put a significant damper on your New Year’s Eve plans.
Practice Safety in Numbers
New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations can get hectic, and that can be a lot of fun, but it can also lead to injuries. Remember, there is safety in numbers. Include a group of friends and family in your New Year’s Eve plans, and make a pact to stick together throughout the evening. This way, you can watch out for each other, and you’re all more likely to make it to midnight (and back home) without any unfortunate incidents.
Practice Fireworks Safety
We highly recommend leaving the explosions to the experts. Setting off fireworks is risky, and explosives and alcohol should never mix.
If you plan on creating your own fireworks show, please refrain from drinking. Make sure that you follow all safety precautions. If you’ll be setting off fireworks in your neighborhood, be sure to talk with your neighbors. Let them know your plans to ensure that no one is surprised, scared, or hurt.
Injured on New Year’s Eve? Contact Bye, Goff & Rohde Now
New Year’s Eve can be one of the most fun and entertaining nights of the year, also be one of the most dangerous. Be mindful of your safety and the safety of those around you as you make your plans. But, at the same time, remember that you cannot control others’ actions. We see thousands of accidents and injuries across the U.S. on a night that should be a celebration.
We hope that you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve. But, if you are injured, or you lose someone you love due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing on New Year’s Eve or at any other time, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you through your case to get the compensation you deserve.