As we all look forward to a brighter 2023, it is only right to celebrate the upcoming new year and all our achievements in the current year with our loved ones and friends. Celebrating the new year can be fun but we must all do our best to prioritize our safety and avoid actions that may cause danger to our family or anyone celebrating.
Below are hazards that can be a potential danger during year-end celebrations:
- Uncontrolled Alcohol Consumption
- Distracted Driving
- Party Safety
- Fireworks Safety
- Pet Safety
Uncontrolled Alcohol Consumption
There is no problem in enjoying a couple of drinks while celebrating the new year, however, it is important to remember the following:
- Consume alcohol in moderation. This will help minimize health risks and harm to yourself and others.
- Know your limits. It is best to stop consuming alcohol if you sense yourself losing control of your behavior. This way, you are safe and do no harm to others.
- Drink water. It is best to stay hydrated during parties.
Distracted Driving
After midnight, New Year’s Eve celebrations come to an end, and millions take to the roads and public transportation to return home. The sheer number of travelers, combined with the inevitability of irresponsibly impaired drivers, makes for a dangerous evening on the roads and one of the deadliest days for drunk driving.
- Have a designated driver. This is the simplest way to prevent unnecessary accidents on the road.
- Have a backup plan if you do not have a designated driver. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft provide convenience and increased safety so take advantage of them.
- Always stay attentive and aware when behind the wheel. People at the other end of distracted driving and drunk driving accidents can’t control the actions of others. So even if you haven’t had a sip of alcohol, the best thing you can do is to pay attention to your surroundings when driving on New Year’s Eve.
- Put the phone down – that text or call can wait. It is critical to keep your eyes on the road, especially with more people out and about on New Year’s Eve.
Party Safety (Party Hosts Reminders)
- Do not provide alcohol to minors. Keep an eye on all drinks and supplies.
- Offer non-alcoholic drink options and have plenty of water available.
- Stop serving alcohol several hours before the party ends.
- Provide food and snacks so guests are not drinking on an empty stomach. Avoid salty snacks, which can encourage people to drink more.
- Research numbers for local hospitals and authorities and have them ready in the case of an accident.
- Make sure smoke alarms are working
- Contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests, or have a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary.
- Provide guests with a place to stay overnight should they need to.
Fireworks Safety
- Keep children safely out of harm’s way. If something does go wrong, the farther they are from immediate danger the better.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Never point fireworks at anyone or anywhere other than straight up toward the sky.
- Keep fireworks away from flammable material, even before opening, and always handle them carefully.
Pet Safety
- Animals – especially dogs – are more sensitive to loud, harsh noises than humans. If you have pets at home or in your neighborhood, it might be best to avoid fireworks altogether.
- Keep them indoors and wrap them in a blanket while the fireworks are going off outside.
- There may be hazards and debris on the ground during, or after, a New Year’s Eve celebration. When walking your dog, keep your eyes peeled to avoid remnants of glass or fireworks on the ground.
Have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve! If you or a loved one has been injured during the holidays because of someone else’s negligence, contact us at Darfoor Law Firm and we will give you the best service you deserve. Call us at +1-833-327-3667 for a free consultation and case evaluation. Happy New Year!