New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights of the year for parties and trips to bars; it can also be one of the most dangerous nights of the year. The celebratory evening is known for high amounts of drunk driving and car accidents. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 10 fatal crashes in Arizona during the New Year’s Eve holiday in 2021. While you are out celebrating with family and friends, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and forgo safety.
Whatever your plans are to ring in 2023, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourage you to have a safe and injury-free New Year’s Eve in Arizona. With that in mind, our team has put together a list of New Year’s Eve safety tips.
Arizona New Year’s Eve Safety Tips
Have a Designated Driver or Ride Planned
It’s best to arrange your ride in advance if your New Year’s Eve plans include drinking alcohol. Your likelihood of being involved in a car accident rises significantly if you are driving while intoxicated or high. Avoid taking the chance that a DUI ticket would ruin your vacation and potentially the rest of your life. Make advantage of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, designated drivers, public transit, and taxis.
Don’t Get into a Car with a Drunk or Tipsy Driver
Never get into a car with a drunk or tipsy driver. If you’ve been drinking as well, your judgment may be clouded; you might not realize that the driver is tipsy as well. It is not worth the risk of getting injured as a passenger in a car accident.
Watch Out for Slick Surfaces During Arizona New Year’s Eve
When out and about on New Year’s Eve, watch out for slippery surfaces to avoid a slip and fall accident. Be mindful of spilled drinks, wet sidewalks, icy roads and walkways. Just a small slip can lead to a catastrophic injury.
Be Careful with Fireworks
Most people associate fireworks with the Fourth of July, but New Year’s Eve is also a popular night for fireworks. Remember that certain fireworks are illegal in Arizona and can only be sold during certain dates of the year. It is best to leave fireworks to the professionals, but smaller fireworks, like sparklers, can be used at home. Just make sure to do it safely by following directions on the package to prevent burn injuries.
Keep Guest Safety in Mind
If you are hosting a party, you want your guests to have a good time as well as stay safe while on your property. Make sure to clean up any slip and fall hazards, like loose carpets or clutter. Don’t let your guests drive from your property while intoxicated and allow your guests to spend the night if they are too intoxicated to drive. Also, make sure to have plenty of food on hand to absorb alcohol. If any of the guests are injured, you might be held liable for their injuries in a premises liability lawsuit.
Don’t Forget the Kids
Kids enjoy celebrating on New Year’s Eve, too. Make sure to child-proof your home or include kid-friendly options for food, drink, and entertainment in any party preparations. Whether you’re leaving your kids with a babysitter or taking them to a New Year’s Eve party, make sure that they are properly looked after. Your child’s safety is not assured just because parents or an older child are there. If kids are with you, keep track of their whereabouts and activities at all times as childhood injuries and underage drinking are common at parties.
Injured on New Year’s Eve in Arizona? Contact Us 24/7 for a Free Consultation!
The personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe want to wish you and your family a happy New Year and hope you celebrate safely and responsibly. Accidents and injuries can still happen even if you take your precautions and adhere to these suggestions. Our team of Arizona personal injury attorneys are here to help you any time, day or night, even on holidays. We offer a “no win, no fee” policy which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, chat with a live representative, call 602-977-1900, or submit a free online case review form.