Online Driving School Blog

New Year's Eve is a Deadly Time to be on the Road

New Years

Deadly Time to be on the Road - 

 

So, what can you do about it?

Following a few common sensical safety tips can keep you out of jail and out of the hospital - New Year's Eve is truly one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. In fact, New Year's Day is the second-deadliest day on the road (after July 4th) averaging 140 people killed in the U.S. each year. And yes, New Year's Day is technically more dangerous than NYE because it's after midnight you should be doubly concerned.

Here's what to keep in mind to stay safe on the roads this New Year's so you can start off 2015 on a healthy, happy foot...

 

Seriously. Do NOT drink and drive.

Not only is drinking and driving always a terrible idea (alcohol is involved in about 40% of fatal accidents), New Year's is the worst time to try and get away with it. Increased police presence and traffic checkpoints means you're at an increased risk of getting a DUI and as a whole the other drivers on the road are less safe than usual, too. New Year's Eve isn't the time to have two drinks and say you're "fine." Either you drink, or you drive...period.

Expect extra pedestrians.

Particularly in urban areas, NYE is a time for crowds. Because so many folks plan to walk instead of driving after drinking (smart!) there are going to be thousands of stumbling, rowdy pedestrians out trying to make their way home (not so smart.) As a driver it's your responsibility to prepare for the unexpected - a coed darting across the street to meet a friend, a bar fight spilling into the road - and be able to stop accordingly. Drive slower and more alert than usual and avoid areas you know will be pedestrian-heavy.

pedestriansAvoid peak driving times.

If you're planning on leaving the ball drop (or the Peach Drop for those of us here in Atlanta!) promptly at 12:05 a.m. you should know you'll have some company. Just like any other major event, arriving or leaving during peak times means you're going to face off with lots of traffic, people backing in and out of spots, and pedestrians making their way to their cars. All these factors increase your risk of an accident - why not park offsite and take public transportation in or plan to leave an hour before or after the new year instead?

Don't accept rides from strangers.

Unfortunately, New Year's Eve has become a great time for predators to prey on people with good intentions. Maybe your hotel is a longer walk than you remembered or perhaps you've had more to drink than you thought. Whatever you do, do NOT accept a ride from anyone you didn't call for whether it's a cab, a nice-looking stranger, or even an "Uber" or "Lyft" vehicle. Not only might you get taken to the cleaners for all the cash you've got, you could actually be putting yourself in physical danger. 

 

New Year's Eve is one of the most fun nights of the year - sparkly dresses, goofy glasses, and all that confetti! But no one wants to start off their new year in a car accident or in a jail cell so it's important to remember your responsibilty as a driver doesn't go out the window simply because it's a holiday. Have fun, be safe, and when in doubt...call a cab!

 

 

 

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