Resolve Not to Drink and Drive on New Year’s Eve

It’s the end of one year and the beginning of the next. With only a few days remaining of 2018, we are excited to see what the new year brings, but we’re also dreading what may happen the day after December 31.

Yes, we’re talking about drinking and driving, and it’s still a problem.

Don’t make the mistake of starting the new year with tragedy. This New Year’s Eve make your first resolution to not drink and drive into 2019.

Before you ring in the new year with friends, family and that flute of champagne, plan ahead to know how you’ll be getting home. Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber or traditional taxi cabs are great options to take advantage of when you’ve been celebrating with a cocktail or two. Or better yet, designate a sober driver. Just remember that your designated driver should not have a drop of alcohol on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day if they will be behind the wheel.

If you suspect a driver may have had some alcohol, do not get into the car with them. Even a little bit of alcohol impacts a person’s perception, reaction time and ultimately, their ability to drive. It’s not a risk you or they should be willing to take.

Hosting a New Year’s Eve party? Be responsible and arrange for your guests to stay overnight to sober up or help them secure rides and designated drivers before the festivities begin. Another thing you can do as host is to serve a variety of nonalcoholic beverages in addition to water. Mocktails resemble cocktails and taste just as good. The only thing missing is the alcohol, but we’re guessing they may not even notice.

As we wrap up this year, we encourage you to celebrate responsibly. Designate a sober driver, arrange for transportation through rideshare apps or taxi companies, and never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. From Florida’s aggressive attorneys and staff at SKG, wish you a happy, healthy, and safe new year.