How to Drive Safely on New Year’s Eve

All over the world, people will be celebrating New Year’s Eve and ushering in a brand new year. In case you plan to drive to visit loved ones and family, you need to be extra cautious on the road.

There is a greater chance of being in a car collision on New Year’s Eve than at any other occasion during the year. As your premier collision center, Five Star Autoplex sheds some light on how to be safe on the road during the New Year Eve.

On the Road on New Year’s Eve? This is What You Have to Know

December 31^st is the final day of the year and this calls for lots of celebrations, especially for folks who desire to bring in the New Year on the right footing with friends and family. And one of the favorite pastimes of New Year’s Eve celebrations is making a toast as the clock hits midnight.

During this time, people tend to consume lots of alcoholic drinks as they celebrate. By overindulging and getting behind the wheel, this can put both the driver and other road users in jeopardy.

New Year’s Eve Drunk Driving: The Numbers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, almost thirty people in the U.S lose their lives in drunk driving related-collisions each day. This means that every fifty minutes, a person dies from drunk driving collision and this translates to over 10,000 people every year. And it gets grimmer as the NHTSA also pegs New Year’s car crashes fatalities at a staggering 54 people!

According to research, the period between Christmas and New Year experiences a surge in alcohol-related car collisions. In addition, statistics from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism show that around 40% of car collisions in the Christmas/New Year period involves intoxicated drivers.

Helpful Driving Tips for Drivers on New Year’s Eve

In case you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your loved ones, driving carefully is advisable to exercise caution on the road. This can considerably minimize the chances of a car collision. How do you ensure that you keep safe while driving on New Year’s Eve? Here are a few pointers:

• Plan Well in Advance

It is recommended to leave for your New Year’s celebration in good time. Establish the easiest roads to travel in before you depart. Should you come across dismal weather or heavy traffic, it doesn’t hurt to return home. Remember, the trick is to leave early.

• Maintain the Speed Limit

Even if you are running late, never exceed the speed limit. It is always unsafe to over speed on any road and this becomes even more risky during this festive period. By obeying the road rules and maintaining the speed limit, you will reach your destination safely.

• Don’t Drink and Drive

Drinking and driving is always a no-no. If you are inebriated, ask a friend or family member who is sober to drive you to your New Year’s celebration and back. Alternatively, hire a cab to avoid driving while drunk.

• Be on the Lookout for Driving Distractions

While driving, switch off your mobile phone and avoid eating or drinking. Concentrate exclusively on the task and in this way, you get to enjoy a safe celebration.

Visit Five Star Autoplex for Professional Auto Service and Care

Ultimately, the state of your vehicle determines the kind of driving experience that you will get. This is why it is prudent to have your car examined by the experts at Five Star Autoplex, the state of the art collision center near you.

By doing this, you can eliminate any mechanical problems that could have otherwise kept you from arriving at your destination safe and sound.