Stay Safe for The New Year: Avoid Drunk Driving

By Daniel Steinzeig

New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous days for DUI crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, on average, January 1^st is the deadliest day for alcohol-related crashes. Although you cannot stop other people from drinking and driving, there are many ways to protect yourself, your friends and your family.

Here are some great ways to have a safe holiday.

Have a designated driver

New Year’s Eve is a fun holiday. You go out, have some drinks and socialize. When it is time to go home, relying on a designated driver is a smart way to travel home. Establish who the driver is before going out; that way, when it is time to leave, there are no questions about how to get home.

Find alternate transportation

In today’s world, there is no reason to drink and drive. There are many options for transportation, including Uber, Lyft, taxis and public transportation. Call a friend or family member who chose to stay home and is sober. If you can’t reach anyone, stay where you are until you can sober up and are under the legal limit.

Spend the night

If you are at a friend’s house, see if you can crash on their couch. You can even get a ride with someone else and crash at their house. Whatever the case, there are plenty of places to sleep without operating a vehicle. If you are in a safe area, you can even walk to a hotel and book a room.

Take the keys; appoint a Key Master

When going out, have everyone who drove put their keys in a bowl or drawer, and keep them away from the party. Doing this will make it harder for people to get their keys and drive home. When someone is ready to go, the appointed (sober) Key Master ensures the departee is safe to drive.

Driving under the influence is a severe crime that could earn you jail time. You can get your license revoked, cause an accident or potentially kill or injure someone. It’s just not worth it. There are many ways to avoid drinking and driving, so please be smart.

Stay safe, and have a Happy New Year from your friends at TrustPoint Insurance & Real Estate.