1. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
This is the number one rule year round, but especially on NYE. Even though the illegal blood alcohol level allowed for drivers is below .08, it’s best to play it safe. If you’ve had anything to drink, don’t drive. Many of the firm’s clients over the years believed they were sober under the false narrative they “drank much more before and were fine.” Remember you have reduced capacities after drinking, and drinking can bring unfounded arrogance and miscalculated judgment.
2. DESIGNATE A DRIVER
Before heading out to celebrate, choose someone that will not be drinking and can drive so that everyone arrives at their destinations safely.
3. NIGHTCLUB Activities
If you feel you need a gun or protection to go to a club, you don’t need to go to that club. If someone with whom you don’t see eye to eye may be at a certain bar, it’s best to not go to that bar, even if it is “your bar.” NYE is amateur night. The worst of the worst individuals who love to fight, argue and become sloppy drunk may be out-ready to solve 2017 grudges. Officers will be physically cold, possibly frustrated, possibly upset and/or angry they have to work and deal with your issue. They are people and naturally don’t want to be stressed. You may run into the wrong officer, whose default position may be to arrest people and let the jail deal with individuals when the individuals are sober. Sitting in jail 1-2 days may not be advantageous to you.
4. TAKE A CAB OR UBER
Download the Uber application on your smartphone before the festivities begin to make getting home easier. Ubers will pick you up from where you are and take you to where you need to go. Or if taxis are more your style, dialing #TAXI will connect you to your local taxi service. Uber is cheaper than any representation fee lawyers charge. Also, ladies avoid taking a taxi or Uber alone back to your place. I have received many calls from friends complaining that drivers asked women to escort them INSIDE their homes or to their doors.
5. HAVE A SLEEPOVER
If possible, try to make sleeping arrangements at whoever’s house you are drinking. It’s safest to not get in a vehicle at all after you’ve been drinking. It is also cheaper.
6. DON’T DRIVE
Try to avoid getting behind the wheel at all this New Year’s, even if you are sober. There is no way for you to control other drivers and/or their road rage. If you do need to drive, make sure to wear your seat belt and be aware of other potentially-impaired drivers on the road. Make sure you turn your lights on. Make sure your vehicle registration is current.
7. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM DRUNK DRIVERS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are dozens of signs that police officers use to identify drunk drivers. It is important that you learn these signs and keep your distance from drivers who appear intoxicated. Here are a few cues to look for:
- Swerving;
- Stopping suddenly – for no reason;
- Driving at night with the headlights switched off;
- Turning without signaling; or
- Accelerating or braking erratically.
8. Know WHEN LAST CALL OCCURS
If you choose to ignore all of the previous advice within this article, stop drinking a few hours before last call. Pay your bill with cash, so you have an idea how much you are drinking and spending. Kiss your loved one at midnight. Make sure your breath is fresh. Drink a lot of water before you drive. Then try to go home safely.