New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is a time of great celebration. As we approach one of the busiest nights of the year, Sheeley Law wants you to have fun but also be safe. It's no surprise that the sheer number of people out for a night on the town and often excessively drinking can create a dangerous scenario. According to statistics from the National Safety Council, roughly one out of ten accidents that occur in December and January happen over the New Year's holiday, particularly from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The most common types of injuries include:
Pedestrian Accidents
Firework Injuries
Tips For A Safe & Happy New Year’s Eve
To protect yourself and those you love against accidents and personal injuries, Sheeley Law would like to share some safety tips so you and your loved ones can ring in the New Year on a healthy, happy note:
Do Not Drink & Drive. The Police will be out in full force on New Year’s Eve. In some areas around Rhode Island, there will be DUI Checkpoints. If you are going out to celebrate, make plans in advance for how you will get home. Cabs/Ubers/Lyfts will be in high demand, so it is best to make a reservation early to avoid being stuck. Make sure you download the Uber and Lyft apps before you start drinking, which will make calling that much easier when you are ready to leave.
Be a Responsible Host. If you are entertaining at home, avoid over serving guests, make sure you also serve food and be open to letting your friends stay the night, if necessary. If you have a guest that has had too much to drink, take the initiative to make other arrangements for them. Please do not hesitate to take an intoxicated guest’s keys—it’s the responsible thing to do. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have Social Host Laws. It’s against the law for a host to “permit” a person to consume alcohol or to charge other for drinking without a liquor license. In the context of criminal liability, those who furnish or procure and /or are aware or should have known of the consumption of alcohol by underaged persons in their residence or on their real property are being held criminally liable.
Use Caution When Walking. Walking may seem like a logical alternative to drinking and driving, but pedestrian accidents are frequent and sometimes serious on New Year’s. If you choose to walk, avoid excessive drinking, wear bright colored clothing, stick to sidewalks and lighted streets, and wear appropriate shoes to prevent trips and falls.
Use Extra Caution with Fireworks. While fireworks can be fun and festive, they can also be extremely dangerous, even for those experienced with displays. Keep a safe distance, ensure there are no children nearby and keep a water source close.
With these New Year’s Eve safety tips, you and yours can enjoy a safe and happy new year. We hope you don’t need to call us, but if you do, Sheeley Law is here to help. You can reach us at 401-619-5555 or toll free at 866-435-5000. We have five offices throughout Rhode Island and are available 24/7 for a free consultation. Happy New Year!
