It’s exciting to celebrate the memories of this year and all that awaits us in the New Year. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be careful. Police will be out in force to catch people driving under the influence and protect the rest of us. Here’s how to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve and not get a DUI.
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How to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve
Everyone here at BaldThoughts.com wants you to be safe and create awesome memories. Here are some of our best ideas on how to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve, while still having tons of fun celebrating the new year.
1. Stay Home and Celebrate With Family
As much as I love spending time with friends, sometimes it is refreshing to just spend time with your immediate family. We have young kids (ages 6 and 2) and they probably won’t make it to midnight anyway. So, a night at home watching celebrations on TV while playing board games, reading to our kids, and sharing a bottle of bubbly with my wife could be a perfect way to end the year.
2. Organize a Neighborhood Party
Neighbors may not always be your closest friends, but they are still fun to hang out with. A night together may actually bring you closer and could ease any future friction should trouble arise if there’s ever an issue about who is responsible for fixing the common fence.
3. Bring an Inflatable Mattress
We spent New Year’s Eve at a friend’s house a few years ago, and all he could offer was a blanket and a sheet for us to sleep on. Dude, I’m not 21 years old anymore. I’ve graduated past “dorm room” accommodations.
I’m not asking for the Ritz or Waldorf, but at least offer me something more comfortable than that. I ended up stealing the couch cushions so I could actually get some sleep. Never again. From now on, I’m bringing an inflatable mattress when I plan to stay the night… just in case my hosts don’t have one.
4. Use AAA Tipsy Tow
This may not be offered everywhere, but the AAA of Southern California is offering a free Tipsy Tow service from 6 pm New Year’s Eve until 6 am New Year’s Day. The Tipsy Tow service will take you home for free within 7 miles. Just call 800-400-4AAA to request a tow for yourself or someone else. Please note that they will only allow the driver to ride (aka no passengers).
Best of all… you don’t have to be an AAA member to use this service. Just be prepared to expect long wait times for the Tipsy Tow to arrive.
5. Take Public Transportation
If you’re fortunate enough to have public transportation as an option, use it. Usually, the cost is very affordable and the timing is consistent.
In Orange County, California, where I live, the OCTA buses will give free rides between 6 pm Sunday and 2:30 am Monday. If the party will still be going at 2:30 am, take the bus there, then rideshare home!
6. Use Rideshare Services like Uber and Lyft
One of my favorite ways to get around town when I’ve been drinking is Uber and Lyft. They are usually affordable and offer quick rides where I need to go.
Take note that New Year’s Eve will most likely be subject to “surge” pricing, which could make the trip more expensive. But the increase will be well worth it compared to the average cost of $21,000 for a DUI… let alone the cost of jail or a funeral should someone get killed.
Use our referral links to Uber and Lyft to get a special new account bonus towards your first rides.
Honorable Mention
If you don’t plan on drinking, download the Designated Driver VIP app. It is free on both iTunes and Android.
This app helps sober drivers find bars that offer free non-alcoholic drinks, food, and other goodies for designated drivers. If you’re going to do the driving, you get to pick the place. And if your friends complain and want to go someplace else, agree only if they agree to pay for your food and drinks all night long.
The Bald Thoughts
2017 has been a good year, so don’t ruin it on the last day of the year. We want you to have a great time on New Year’s Eve and be prepared to make 2018 the best year yet! Follow our suggestions on how to avoid driving on New Year’s Eve.
And we’ll see you in the future! 2018 that is.
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