Celebrating New Year’s Eve
Many of us look forward to wrapping up the holiday season with New Year’s Eve festivities. That often means gathering with family and friends as you reflect back upon the joys and challenges the year held. As we weather a global pandemic, your plans may look different than when you ushered in 2020. Perhaps you are keeping your circle small, taking things virtual with a Zoom party or staying home. For those who have plans to attend a New Year’s Eve event while social distancing, fingers crossed the weather cooperates and you are able to celebrate under the stars. Today’s post is for you; keep reading for tips on celebrating New Year’s Eve from the John Price Law Firm family. We are lawyers in North Charleston who are ready to serve you with more than 118 years of combined experience.
As you bid farewell to 2020 and greet 2021 with hopeful anticipation about the blessings ahead and memories that await, remember to celebrate in a responsible way. Our firm represents DUI victims, so we know first-hand the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
Driving Under the Influence Statistics
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, “during the Christmas and New Year’s periods in 2018, there were 285 drunk driving-related fatalities nationally.”
- AAA reports New Year’s Day “ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.”
- The majority of alcohol-impaired driving crashes take place in the evenings and on the weekends.
- Most alcohol-impaired driving crashes occur during the evening hours and on weekends, according to AAA.
Celebration Tips
- Reach for non-alcoholic options: If you will be driving, commit in advance to avoid alcoholic drinks altogether. Enjoy non-alcoholic versions of your favorite adult beverages and know that making the responsible choice is the right thing to do.
- Stay put: If you plan to consume alcohol, speak with the host beforehand about staying overnight.
- Designate a driver: An alternative to staying overnight is designating a driver well before the festivities begin.
- Arrange an Uber in advance: Don’t rely on an Uber driver being available without notice. Use the “schedule” feature to lock in your transportation.
- Drive cautiously and defensively: When you make your way home after the party (after not having any alcohol), be especially mindful of other drivers on the road. Statistically, there will be other drivers on the road who have not made the responsible choice. Keep a safe distance and report reckless drivers by calling the authorities.
We’re Here to Help
Are you looking for a team of experienced lawyers in North Charleston? If you or someone you love was a DUI accident victim, turn to John Price Law Firm, LLC. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.
Additional Resources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/es/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over-holidays
https://www.wtoc.com/2019/12/31/aaa-new-years-day-among-deadliest-days-nations-roads
https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/how-it-works/scheduled-rides