Don’t Let Your Celebrations Ruin the Start of Your New Year. Have a designated driver this holiday.

With the crackle of fireworks, the laughter of party-goers, and the clinking of champagne flutes, New Year’s Eve is a night filled with a cacophony of festive sounds. But the last sound you want to hear on that special evening is that someone you love has been involved in a substance-related car accident. Have, or be, a designated driver this holiday.

The first few hours of January 1st are the most dangerous time to be on the road all year, as drunk driving-related deaths are 116% higher than normal. And while you cannot control what other drivers choose to do, you can avoid becoming part of this unfortunate statistic by following our tips to prevent buzzed or drunk driving.

If You Plan on Drinking, Consider Staying at Home

While many people celebrate by attending parties or going to bars or nightclubs, you can still have a fun New Year’s Eve from the comfort of your own home. You can turn on your favorite countdown special on TV and enjoy the festivities without having to worry about finding a sober ride home at the end of the night. 

Have (or Be) A Designated Driver

If going out to bars and clubs is a part of your annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, then it is a good idea to have (or be) a designated driver. But remember, drivers must commit to staying sober so that they are in the right state of mind when they get behind the wheel. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving. Making sure you have a designated driver this holiday can keep you and others safe.

Pace Yourself

When consuming alcohol, keep track of how much you’re drinking. It takes the body one hour to completely process one standard drink (one 5 oz. glass of wine, 12 oz. of beer, hard cider, or spiked seltzer, or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor). If you drive to a gathering or event, then you need to wait at least one hour after every standard drink you consume before you’re safe to sit in the driver’s seat again. So if you have two beers at your friend’s party, you need to wait at least two hours before driving home- or you can call for a ride.

Call A Sober Ride

Because New Year’s Eve is infamous for drunk-driving related deaths and injuries, many rideshare services, taxis, and local businesses offer free or discounted rides for the duration of the evening. Research your options in advance so that you have a plan to get back home safely from wherever you’re celebrating.

Every day, approximately 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes, and these deaths are all preventable. No amount of celebrating is worth losing your life or the life of someone you love.

At Rockingham Insurance, we want you to drive safely in 2023 and beyond. If you’re looking for coverage, wherever your vehicle takes you, reach out to a local Rockingham agent today.