Simple Tips to Prevent a New Year’s Eve Car Accident in Northern California

Many northern California residents go out on New Year’s Eve, and unfortunately, some of them are involved in car accidents that cause serious injuries or even death. You can help reduce the risk of a car accident both for yourself and for your friends and family by following a few simple safety tips this holiday season.

• For partygoers: Plan ahead. Before you head to a party, decide how you’re going to get home – especially if your night might include one or more alcoholic drinks. Will you ride with a designated driver? Call a taxicab? Take public transportation? Make sure your safe ride of choice is available before you order a drink.
  
  As a backup plan, you might want to program the numbers of local cab companies into your cell phone. This way, you’ll be able to contact a sober ride, and you’ll also be able to help anyone else who might otherwise get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.
• For hosts: Make plans of your own. Include lots of non-alcoholic beverage options, and stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party is scheduled to end. This is a great time to pass around dessert or coffee. You may also want to choose a designated driver to help guests get home if they haven’t made their own plans, or offer guests a place to “crash” until they’re sober enough to drive safely.

At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our dedicated car crash lawyers in Santa Cruz can help you figure out what caused a crash and get the compensation you need, whether that means filing an insurance claim or holding negligent parties accountable in court. For a free, confidential consultation, call us today at (800) 900-0863.