Staying Safe This New Year’s

While New Year’s Eve Can Be Exciting, It Can Also Be Dangerous

Ready or not, 2019 is coming to a close, and New Year’s festivities are almost here. Although this time of year is one of excitement and joy, it also comes with inherent dangers. New Year’s is one of the deadliest holidays of the year. There are many reasons for this, from the countless parties to fireworks and sparklers that light up the winter sky. We love the holidays as much as the next person, but we also understand how deadly they can be. For many people, the holidays are all about spending quality time with loved ones and celebrating your good fortunes. Often, alcohol will be present.

This should come as no surprise, but New Year’s Eve is one of the booziest holidays of the year. According to statistics, there is only one holiday (Fat Tuesday) where more alcoholic beverages are consumed. On New Year’s Eve, 47 percent of men and 40 percent of women admit to binge drinking. Today we are going to take a closer look at New Year’s, including why it is so dangerous, what some of the most common injuries are, and what you can do to stay safe. At Rad Law Firm, we strive to educate our clients and help them avoid accidents and injuries, regardless of the time of year.

We know the holidays are a hectic time of year, with all the family gatherings and traveling that takes place. Christmas will have come and gone, and New Year’s will be here before you know it, which is why you must prepare. We want you and your loved ones to ring in 2020 as safely as possible. If you have any questions about the below, or if you were involved in an accident this holiday season, contact Rad Law Firm today. We offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your rights.

New Year’s Accident Statistics 

The holidays are a time for celebration and cheer, but they can also be quite dangerous. Unsurprisingly, the holidays are far less safe than other driving periods. On average, we see a 34 percent increase in accidents this time of year. There is also a 38 percent increase in fatalities, and 34 percent more debilitating injuries occur. New Year’s and Thanksgiving Day are the two most dangerous holidays of the year, and there is a shocking 95 percent increase in car accidents on New Year’s Day.

Let’s now take a look at some additional New Year’s accident statistics to give you a better understanding of why this specific holiday poses so many threats:

• The top alcoholic drinks during the holidays are champagne, wine, and beer
• Men consume 3.6 drinks during the winter holidays compared to 2.7 by women
  • These numbers increase to 5.1 drinks and 3.7 drinks, respectfully, on New Year’s Eve
• 3 percent of men and 16.7 percent of women admit to blacking out from drinking on New Year’s Eve
• 42 percent of all New Year’s Eve car accidents involve a drunk driver
• Approximately 300 people die in drunk driving accidents between Christmas and New Year’s
• In 2016, 781 people died in drunk driving accidents in December alone
• From 2012 to 2016, 14,472 people died in traffic accidents in December
  • Of those, 3,995 people died in alcohol-related crashes

These numbers highlight just how unsafe the holidays can be, especially on the roads. If you are planning on traveling this holiday season, or if you will be attending a New Year’s Eve party, never drink and drive and encourage your friends to do the same. The key to staying safe and avoiding injury is making smart decisions and planning. With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, there is no excuse for driving while intoxicated.

Avoid These Common New Year’s Injuries

The above statistics show how deadly and dangerous New Year’s can be, but what are the most common injuries? Here is a look at some of the injuries that occur on New Year’s:

• Injuries from drunk driving accidents
  • Broken legs, shattered knees, head injuries, lacerations to the face, whiplash, chest injuries, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries
• Alcohol poisoning
• Burns and other injuries from fireworks accidents
• Gunfire accidents
• Injuries from champagne corks
• Pedestrian injuries

New Year’s injuries can range from minor to severe and even fatal. If you are involved in an accident of any kind, seek medical attention right away.

Tips for Staying Safe This New Year’s

Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do to stay safe over the New Year’s holiday:

• Designate a driver before your New Year’s celebration begins
• Take a rideshare service, cab, or public transportation
• Look at the weather report before heading out for the evening and dress accordingly
• Add safe driving to your New Year’s resolution
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand
• Don’t walk drunk
• Open champagne or sparkling wine safely
• Only use legal fireworks
• Stay the night wherever you ring in the new year
• Drink responsibly
• Stay alert and awake
• Plan and leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination
• Avoid the busiest travel hours
• Be prepared for an emergency

These tips should help you stay safe when ringing in 2020 this year.  If you suspect another driver is drunk or operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, call the police immediately. Knowing how to spot a drunk driver can save lives and prevent a devastating accident from occurring. If you are involved in an accident this holiday season, contact Rad Law Firm today. Car accident settlements can vary from person to person, depending on a host of factors. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. Your safety and well-being matter to us. The team at Rad Law Firm wishes you all a happy, healthy, and safe 2020.