New Year’s Eve is a notoriously unpredictable night to drive—and worse, it can be very dangerous. It’s pretty much impossible that the nation will kick off the New Year without a traffic fatality of some kind. However, it’s good to note that there are more than a few circumstances at that cause these incidents. If you plan on taking your ride out this New Year’s Eve, read on about how to take as many precautions as possible to ensure a safe night.
Think About Alcohol
If you know you’re going to participate in drinking, then take a good hard look at having a plan in place. If you’re with a group, have a designated driver. If you are going solo, know how long it takes your body to process alcohol so you aren’t at risk for an accident or DUI. There are even breathalyzers available to purchase nowadays. Don't be afraid to stay at someone's house, and don't be afraid to leave your car behind if you drink to much. However, if you plan on drinking, here are some other excellent options to avoid those possible scenarios:
- Use public transportation
- Use a car service; like a taxi, Uber, Lyft or even hire a limo and driver for the night
- Stay home (there are plenty of ways to celebrate during a night in)
It’s easy to roll your eyes when reading about drinking and driving, but the consequences can happen to anyone, whether you are the drunk one or someone else is. It’s well-known that New Year’s Eve is a notorious party night—so drive very aware and not under the influence.
Distracted Driving in Houston
Before cell phones, there were certainly radios, passengers and plenty of other potential distractions. But none of those have come close to the impact on the swiftly increasing incidents that distracted driving in the age of cell phones has. Not only are you dealing with people under the influence on New Year’s Eve, but also people who are going to new places or are with a group of people. And admit it, people don't always make good choices, especially when in a celebratory mood. If you have to text, pull over. If you have to read a text, pull over. If you want to Snapchat, change the song or do anything at all on your cell phone—pull over. It’s not worth the risk, and it goes a long way in increasing your reaction time and reducing your chance of an accident. If you don’t believe the hype that cell phones are an issue, read this article about the startling and alarming statistics.
Weather
Weather doesn’t always cooperate in December/January. Averages in Houston show that there may be factors that can affect road safety—like ice. How good of a driver are you? How confident? Even if you’re both good and confident, you’ll want to take it easy if dealing with any inclement weather. Pay attention to conditions for New Year’s Eve, and plan accordingly.
Road Closures and Incidents in Houston
Another factor that can be an issue for safety is incidents and road closures. It’s helpful to have your route planned out ahead of time and make sure you aren’t running into a road that is under construction, or an incident that you aren’t prepared for. Check the current conditions on Houstan Transtar to see what’s happening on the roads. The website shows freeway incidents, street incidents, stalls, road closures and more. Before you start the car to head from point A to point B, it’s worth checking up on.
New Year’s Eve can be a fun night, and a great way to celebrate the end of one year and kick off the next. However, it’s best to think about your safety on a night where many people choose to party. Instead of looking at it as uncool, think about it as a way to start 2018 off right. Not only will it help you keep your ride safe, but you, your friends and family, and fellow Houstonians as well.
