New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Undoubtedly, you’ve already made plans. Ring in the New Year safely with these four tips.
Get a designated driver.
Don’t risk your life and liberty. A DWI is incredibly expensive (total expenses related to a DWI arrest could be over $10,000), and a serious accident could be even worse than an arrest. Whether you plan for a friend to drive or call for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, make sure you and your friends get home safely.
Drink responsibly.
So, you decided to follow Tip #1. Great, but don’t use that as an excuse to lose self-control. Drink in moderation. When you become impaired, you open yourself up to all kinds of risks and you’ll have a diminished ability to navigate those risks.
Know your surroundings.
Exploring a new bar, restaurant, club, or even a new city on New Year’s Eve can be an exciting time. Do a little homework on the location you’ll be visiting. Have serious incidents (assaults, robberies, homicides, etc.) been occurring in or around the area? When arriving at a particular location, look for exit signs and uncomplicated ways to quickly exit the building in the event of a serious incident (fire, violence, etc.)
Leave when trouble starts.
Let’s face it, when people are drinking (especially in excess), troublesome behavior will always be a concern. If you see an argument getting heated, start paying attention, and prepare to leave if necessary. If a fight breaks out, it is time to leave. Do not intervene, do not wait to see who wins the fight. Close your tab, get your Uber, and find another place to be. Don’t linger in the parking lot either. Violence from inside will often continue, even escalate, outside. When it’s time to go, leave quickly and completely.