10 Tips for a Safe New Year's Eve

Happy New Year! As we relax with family or celebrate with friends, always make sure to make wise decisions insofar as drinking and driving is concerned. While we are celebrating, the Georgia State Patrol along with other local law enforcement agencies are getting ready too by setting out DUI checkpoints along the roadways.

You can celebrate the New Year by going out or by staying in, but drinking and driving should not be a part of those plans. Georgia is specifically making sure during its 78- hour travel period that the roads are clear of impaired drivers. The travel period begins on December 30th at midnight and ends on January 2nd at midnight.

If you are hosting a party, be a good host by making sure your guests have a way to get home safely or a place to stay. If you plan on going out for the New Year, choose a designated driver or a sober ride program.

10 Tips for a Safe New Year's Eve:

New Year's Eve is the #1 most deadly holiday period of the year due to impaired driving. Protect yourself and your loved ones on the road with the following tips: 

1. Arrange transportation. If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver or schedule a car service. 
2. Buckle up. The Center for Disease Control reports that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%. Also, remember to use a car safety seat for young children.
3. Remember your furry friends. If you are traveling with dogs or cats, secure them properly.  Animals should not roam around your car. Treat animals as if you would treat small children.
4. Report Drunk Driving to the Police. You may save a life if you call the police when you suspect someone is driving while impaired. 
5. Drive the Speed Limit. The faster you are driving has an inverse relationship to reaction time.  
6. Do not use your phone while driving. Distracted Driving is more dangerous than being impaired by alcohol or drugs. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to be in an accident. 
7. Program your GPS before you start driving. Do not fiddle around with your phone or GSP while driving.  Set your destination before you leave, or put a passenger in charge of navigation.
8. Stay alert.  Make sure to get a full night's sleep and take breaks while driving.   
9. Do not apply makeup or groom yourself while driving. Get up five minutes earlier, and do it at home.  
10. Be Courteous on the Roads. Avoid getting upset because of traffic and the actions of other drivers.  Avoid road rage and remember that the goal is to arrive safely.

If you or anyone that you know is arrested over the holiday weekend, please call us right away. We are available to speak with you about your case 24 hours a day, seven days a week and holiday's, too. Our consultation is free; so call now.

The Law Offices of Richard Lawson wishes everyone a happy, safe, and healthy New Year!