New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights for parties of the year. From bars, restaurants, exclusive parties, or just having a fun, low-key bash at home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate a Los Angeles New Year’s Eve. No matter how you choose to ring in the new year, it’s important to do so safely, which is why our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe have created this list of New Year’s Eve safety tips.
New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Partygoers
If you plan on going out this New Year’s Eve, there are a few things you’ll need to do ahead of time to ensure a safe night out.
Discuss the details before heading out
Before you head out on the town, make a plan with your group about where you’re going, if you’re going to spend the night at a hotel or catch a ride home, and a backup plan should you get separated.
Plan your transportation
If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Los Angeles New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year to be on the road due to impaired drivers and one of the top nights for DUI arrests. In fact, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is implementing a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Before hitting the town, designate a driver before the night starts, or plan to use ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber.
Do not get into a car with an intoxicated driver
Even if you’ve had a few drinks yourself, your judgment might be off. It’s possible that you might not realize the driver is intoxicated. By getting into a car with a drunk driver, you are putting yourself at risk as a passenger. Instead, try to prevent an intoxicated person from getting behind the wheel. If you can’t stop them, refuse to get in the vehicle and report them to the authorities.
Always be aware of your surroundings
Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid crowded, isolated areas. Trust your gut and leave any situation that feels uncomfortable or unsafe. If you witness anything suspicious or unsafe, report it to security or authorities.
Drink responsibly
Drink in moderation and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages. Remember to eat throughout the night as well to absorb the alcohol.
Only bring what you’ll need
Bring your ID, phone charger, credit cards, medications, or anything else you might need. Avoid carrying too much cash and leave valuables at home to avoid loss or theft.
Check the weather forecast
Before you leave, check the weather forecast. Even though the weather on Los Angeles New Year’s Eve will likely be mild, the weather can change at any time. Don’t forget to check the forecast before heading out and adjust your plans, footwear, or transportation plans accordingly.
Watch out for fall hazards
When you’re out and about, be on the lookout for slip and fall hazards like wet floors, uneven walkways, cluttered areas, etc. Use handrails, if available, and try to stay in well-lit areas.
New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Party Hosts
If throwing a party for your Los Angeles New Year’s Eve is more your style, here are some things to keep in mind for a safe and successful event.
Be selective with your guest list
Only invite a number of people you feel comfortable with, and that aligns with your space and comfort level. Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone. Consider the noise level, mingling space, and seating capacity of your home to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Remember, a larger gathering means more people, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
Make sure your guests have a ride home
If you plan on serving alcohol or using marijuana at your Los Angeles New Year’s Eve party, make sure everyone has a ride home. Ridesharing apps, designated drivers, or even pre-booked taxis are all ways to ensure your guests get home safely.
Allow your guests to spend the night
Prioritize everyone’s safety by ensuring your guests have a comfortable and secure place to rest if they can’t get home safely. Accidents happen, and it’s best to avoid any potential risks.
Tidy up
Before your guests come over, tidy up around the house. Clear any tripping hazards like slippery floors, throw rugs, or cluttered walkways. Make sure to have plenty of lighting outdoors, too.
Check your smoke alarms
Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors and have a fire extinguisher handy. Implement additional fire safety measures to help prevent burn injuries like no smoking indoors, keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, and avoiding candles and fireworks.
Injured on New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles? Call Lerner and Rowe
We hope everyone enjoys celebrating Los Angeles New Year’s Eve and has a safe start to 2024. Whether you’re going out on the town or throwing a party at home, by following these tips mentioned above, you can have a safe, fun, and successful night. Accidents still happen even if you are careful. If you or a loved one are injured on New Year’s Eve due to the negligence or recklessness of another, our team of Los Angeles personal injury attorneys can help.
The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe have helped numerous clients obtain compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Our team has a track record of recovering compensation for our clients, and we are ready to help you win!
Our staff is available 24/7 to being your free consultation by phone at 310-INJURED and online via LiveChat or encrypted contact form.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.