New Year’s Eve and Insurance

The Dos And Don’ts of New Year’s Eve

These are not all insurance related tips, and most are just common sense. But this New Years Eve, be safe! It is estimated that about 40% of all fatal crashes on New Years involved a drunk driver. Educate yourself before something happens. New Year’s Eve should be a time to celebrate the closing of one year and the start of the next. Don’t let you celebration be ruined by a preventable accident. Here are some quick and easy dos and don’ts to keep you and others safe on this celebratory day!

DOs:

• Have a designated driver or someone you can call for a ride. Especially if you have been drinking or at a party, it is never safe to get behind the wheel when alcohol is involved.
• If you are hosting a New Years Eve Party, make sure that your house is prepped for guest. This can include installing handrails for stairs, removing slippery surfaces like rugs, and putting salt on walkways.
• If you are hosting, make sure your guests don’t drive if they are inebriated. Instead, call them a taxi service, or a ride sharing service.
• If you have children, make sure you know their whereabouts on NYE. Because it’s a dangerous day on the road, encourage them to stay at one location for the night. You should also make sure to know not to get into the car with someone who has been drinking. And especially, make sure that they do not drink and drive.
• If you plan on drinking on NYE, make sure to not over-drink. Alternate your drinks with water to prevent inebriation.

DONTs:

• Don’t leave your car parked somewhere overnight. This is a prime opportunity for thieves to break into your vehicle.
• Do not use fireworks – especially if they are illegal! Fireworks can cause fires and other dangers. When there is alcohol involved, fireworks are not a good idea.
• Don’t forget about your pets! Fireworks, and other loud noises can scare them. Make sure that they are accounted for and are safely inside your home.
• Do not leave your drink unattended. Especially if you are out in a bar, club, or other party, leaving your drink can have bad consequences. Take it to the bathroom with you, or give it to a trusted friend or family member to watch. An unattended drink could have been drugged and is never safe.
• Don’t go to crowded places alone. Attending a festival or other fun new years events, it’s always safer to go with someone else. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in crowds.

This New Years, use these tips to keep safe. You should also call you insurance agent to make sure you have auto insurance and homeowners insurance. Auto insurance can help protect you and others in the event of an accident. Homeowners insurance may help protect you and your guests if something happens at your new years’ party. It’s always best to take precaution in these types of situations. You may also want to ask you insurance agent about umbrella insurance. Especially if you are hosting a party, umbrella coverage can help extend your coverage and your policy limits. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!