New Year’s Eve is one of the most joyful holidays celebrated. We have the chance to celebrate the year we are leaving behind with loved once as well as welcoming in the challenges of the year to come. Unfortunately, during a holiday with such celebration there are many dangerous. With these 5 New Year’s safety tips, you can be better prepared for the dangers and enjoy a more fun holiday.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This first one is obvious for a reason. Drinking and driving is not only dangerous to yourself but also everyone else in the vicinity of your vehicle. It should come as no surprise that January 1st has the highest percent of deaths related to alcohol, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data. Between 2007 and 2011, 42 percent of all traffic deaths during the holiday were directly caused by alcohol. You can even help prevent others from making this fatal mistake. If you notice an intoxicated friend planning on driving, suggest other methods such as Uber.
Plan a Sober Ride
Drinking during New Years is not uncommon and you shouldn’t stop yourself because of the dangerous drinking and driving statistics. Instead, plan for a sober ride if you intend on drinking. Ask a sober friend or family member for a ride. Take an Uber, Lyft or even an old fashion cab if that is your preferred method. You can even take a bus or train depending on where you live. Even in your sober ride, act appropriately to allow your driving to pay full attention to the driving. Although your driver may be sober, it is likely there is another driver near that is not. Alcohol related auto accidents are highest between the hours of 8pm – 2am.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
It is unfortunate but during a holiday that is notorious for a lot of people going out and drinking, there are individuals that will take advantage of this situation. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before leaving your house so you are able to stay in contact with someone. Try to travel in crowds with at least a few people you know and never accept a drink from a stranger. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to say something. If you feel uncomfortable with someone and think they may be a danger to you, alert the authority. Even if police are not present where you are, most places with large crowds require professional security.
Beware of Fireworks
Fireworks are fun and pretty to look at but they can be extremely dangerous, not to mention possibly illegal. Depending on your state, lighting any firework could be illegal but that doesn’t stop individuals from crossing state lines to purchase them. Even if someone else is lighting a firework on your property, you can be help criminally liable if any damage or injuries occur. If you plan on allowing fireworks, make sure your pets are inside. If you want them outside with you during the festivities at least check your fence for security and that they have on a collar with a tag. Consider getting a microchip for your pet as well. It may seem unnecessary now but you will be happy you did it when they go missing.
Eat Dinner
This may seem like an odd suggestion and you may be concerned about wanting to look good in a certain outfit but avoiding alcohol poisoning is much more important. Foods high in protein such as cheese, meat and nuts are particularly important. These types of food will slow down the absorption of alcohol in the digestive system. This will give the alcohol more time to metabolize in the body resulting in a lower risk or alcohol poising. Our liver metabolizes about one alcoholic drink per hour. A good rule of thumb is a 12 oz. beer = 4-5 oz. of wine = 1.5 oz. of hard liquor. By sipping a drink rather than chugging it, your body will have more time to metabolize the alcohol which will result in less of a hangover. You can also consider snaking on nuts while drinking if possible.
Don’t drink and drive, plan for a safe and sober form of transportation, be aware of your surroundings, be prepared for the dangerous of fireworks and make sure food is in your system.
These are five fairly simple rules that can simply save your life. Don’t let the dangers of New Year’s ruin your celebration. Be prepared, have a good time, and have a happy New Year’s!
