Common New Year’s Eve Injuries (And How to Prevent Them)

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Although New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a joyous celebration where we say goodbye to the old year and look forward to the promise of a new one, accidents, unfortunately, tend to occur in greater numbers over the New Year’s weekend. Here are the most common New Year’s Eve injuries and tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Drunk Driving Accidents

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 400 fatalities occur in motor vehicle accidents over the New Year’s holiday, with another 46,500 injuries requiring medical attention also occurring over the holiday. A significant portion of motor vehicle accidents that occur on New Year’s Eve involve an intoxicated driver. This is due to the fact that many people choose to celebrate the holiday by indulging in alcohol. Unfortunately, some people have too much to drink before getting behind the wheel. 

Tips for avoiding being involved in a drunk driving accident this New Year’s Eve include:

• Never drink and drive. Make plans to get home safely, whether that involves having a designated driver, taking a taxi or rideshare, or staying overnight if celebrating at family’s or a friend’s house. 
• Never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
• If hosting a New Year’s Eve party, make sure that your guests have plans for getting home safely, and take away the keys of any driver who is unsafe to drive.
• Avoid being out on the road in the first few hours following midnight, when intoxicated drivers are most likely to be on the road

Pedestrian Accidents

New Year’s Eve also sees a spike in pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, the rate of pedestrian accidents is attributable to both intoxicated drivers as well as intoxicated pedestrians. Drunk pedestrians walking around on New Year’s Eve are more likely to be less visible to motorists and walk in places where motorists may not expect them, such as walking along the active roadway.

You can help reduce your risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident this New Year’s Eve by avoiding walking while intoxicated. If you do choose to walk around on New Year’s Eve, make sure to stay on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk along the shoulder or edge of the roadway. Or, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. If possible, make sure to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing. When crossing the street, make eye contact with oncoming motorists to ensure that they see you.

Alcohol Poisoning

Some people choose to celebrate New Year’s by having a few drinks, but sometimes people drink far too much and suffer from alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is more prevalent among younger drinkers. Avoid alcohol poisoning by knowing your limits and moderating your alcohol intake by having water in between each drink.

Burns

Burn injuries can occur due to fireplace accidents, cooking accidents, or fireworks accidents. You can prevent burn injuries by following directions on fireworks or cooking appliances. You can also refrain from excessive alcohol consumption when around potential sources of burn injuries.

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represent clients injured in Rochelle Park, Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call 201-231-7847 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.