P&N BLOG | Tips For Staying Safe This New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but it’s also one of the most dangerous nights of the year to be on the road—or even walking near one. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveal that nearly half of all fatal car crashes on New Year’s Day involve drunk drivers. Late night celebrations combined with drinking and driving make this holiday particularly hazardous. Tragically, it’s also one of the deadliest days for pedestrians crossing the street.

As the clock strikes midnight and celebrations wind down, millions of people hit the roads to head home. The sheer volume of traffic, coupled with impaired drivers, creates a perfect storm for accidents. More than 50% of crashes on New Year’s Day involve high blood alcohol concentrations. Law enforcement agencies across the country respond with initiatives like the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which emphasizes education and rigorous enforcement to keep the roads safer.

At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, we want you and your loved ones to start the New Year safely. Here are our top safety tips to protect yourself and others.

Essential Road Safety Tips

1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt
   Seatbelts save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelt use saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.

2. Secure Children Properly
   Ensure kids are buckled into age and size appropriate car seats in the back seat. These measures can reduce serious injuries to children by 50%.

3. Obey Speed Limits
   Speeding contributes to many fatal accidents and is entirely preventable. Drive within the posted limits.

4. Avoid Distractions
   Put down your phone, avoid adjusting the radio, and don’t eat or groom while driving. Anything that takes your focus off the road, even briefly, increases the risk of an accident.

5. Plan Ahead
   Arrange for a designated driver, book a hotel, or schedule a ride via shuttle, limo, or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.

6. Consider Sober Ride Programs
   Many cities offer free or low-cost sober ride programs during the holidays. Research your local options and share them with friends.

7. Use Public Transportation
   Buses, trains, and other public transit options can be reliable and safe alternatives to driving.

8. Secure Your Vehicle
   If you need to leave your car overnight, park in a well-lit, populated area. Lock your doors and keep valuables out of sight.

9. Drink Responsibly
   Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, reaction times, and vision. Avoid driving if you’ve had anything to drink, and remember that prescription drugs can also impair driving abilities.

10. Call for Help if Necessary
    If you’re unable to secure a ride home, call 311 for assistance. It’s better to seek help than risk an accident.

Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident? Help Is Available

Unfortunately, even with precautions, accidents happen. If you or a loved one is involved in a drunk driving-related incident, it’s critical to act quickly. The experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Parente & Norem are here to help. We understand the complexities of personal injury law and are committed to securing justice for our clients.

Contact us for a free consultation by calling 312.641.5926 or fill out a contact form here on our website. Don’t let the poor decision-making of an intoxicated driver ruin your New Year.

Stay safe, make smart choices, and let’s all work together to ensure a happier, healthier start to the year!

Source: [American Safety Council – New Year’s Eve Safety Tips]