There is just something about closing out an old year and ringing in a new one, with the excitement of resolutions made and hopes renewed! The joy we experience on New Year’s Eve, however, shouldn’t get in the way of staying safe while celebrating the ringing in of the new. To keep you safe and sound on this last day of 2015, we have six safety tips for you and yours—commonsense reminders that apply always but most especially on this night…
Eating
Eating as a safety tip?? Yep! Because chances are that most people heading out to ring in the New Year are going to imbibe, and you’ll be better off imbibing on a full stomach. You might be too nervous or rushed for a meal, but that doesn’t negate that fact that eating before drinking is one smart safety tip!
Drinking
And speaking of drinking, we can’t say enough about having a designated driver. You absolutely positively should not be driving on New Year’s Eve if you have been drinking, even if you only have one or two drinks. But also keep in mind that drinking makes people vulnerable—men and women both. For that reason, you really need to consume with caution so you’re not setting yourself up for bad choices, trusting people or situations that you normally wouldn’t.
Driving
There are two sides to the driving safety on New Year’s Eve. You should not be driving if drinking, obviously. And if you are the designated driver, be extra vigilant while on the roads, watching out for those who are less responsible and driving while intoxicated. Be on the lookout for drivers who are swerving, driving erratically, or slowing down and speeding up without reason. Keep your distance from those cars! To minimize your risk, try not to drive during the peak times, like right after midnight, or when the bars close. If you can hang out sipping coffee for a while before heading home, try to do so.
Going out in public
Whether you’re headed to a bar or a gathering spot to watch the ball drop, be wary when in crowds. When you’re getting pushed around and jostled, it’s easy to get your purse or wallet stolen. Also, there is safety in numbers. Don’t go out alone, and even two might be too few to be safe. Try to be part of a group if you can.
Communicating
And even when in a group of people, keep your phone with you and fully charged. If you’re somewhere loud and you won’t hear your phone ring or chime, check it regularly throughout the night. Also make sure people know where you are at all times and that you know where they are, whether these are the friends you’re with or family members back home. When in a crowded situation, you can easily get separated. Which is also why we also suggest you…
…have a backup plan
If there’s a chance you will get separated from your friends (and there is usually a chance of that on New Year’s Eve), have a set meeting place and time so you can reconnect at some point during the evening. Obviously, you won’t want to schedule this for 11:55 p.m., so think that through.
The new year is almost here, our chance to take on those tasks and revisit those resolutions that somehow didn’t come to fruition during the past 12 months. That is exciting! But while everyone wants to get the New Year off to a great start, yours will be much better from the start if you’re safe and sound while welcoming that first day of January and 2016!
Wishing you and yours a safe and sound New Year!
