New Year's Eve Safety Tips

The Abingdon Police Department would like New Year's Eve to be a fun, but safe experience for everyone. Here are a few tips for those that are hosting parties and those that are heading out.

Hosting a party? 

A few simple rules could prevent a tragedy:

• ·         Confirm guests have a plan for a safe way home through a non-drinking designated driver. Think ahead by naming a “designated driver.” Make this your responsibility as the host.
• ·         Plan activities like party games or door prize drawings that do not involve alcohol and engage people, resulting in a lower consumption of alcohol.
• ·         Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests. Do not push drinks. Drinking at a party is not mandatory to have a good time.
• ·         Provide plenty of food to keep guests from drinking on an empty stomach. But avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
• ·         Offer non-alcoholic beverages to non-drinking designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol. Never serve alcohol to someone under 21.
• ·         Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
• ·         If, despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, never let them drive home impaired. Have a sober driver on hand to drive them home or offer your sofa to guests who need to stay put.
• ·         To be a good host, you should stay within your limits in order to make sure your guests stay within theirs.

Going out?

• ·         If you drink, don’t drive!
• ·         Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the party or celebration begins.
• ·         If you are impaired, call a sober friend or family member to come pick you up.
• ·         Or, stay where you are until you are sober.
• ·         Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking.
• ·         If you see someone driving drunk, always call the police.
• ·         Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. They’ll thank you for it.

Drinking? Don’t leave your drink unattended where someone could put something in it

Public Events: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not go alone, bring a friend.

Happy New Year! 

Have a safe and wonderful evening and thank you for all your support through 2014.