Stay Safe This Winter: Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve and Beyond

As we celebrate the arrival of a new year and want to enjoy our time with friends and family, it’s important to stay vigilant and prioritize safety.

This festive occasion often brings unique risks, from increased road traffic to unpredictable weather conditions and fireworks-related hazards. By taking precautions, we can ensure the holiday remains joyful and safe for everyone.

DRIVING: NIGHTTIME RISKS AND SAFE PRACTICES

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for travel. Late-night celebrations, fatigue, and an increased likelihood of impaired drivers all contribute to heightened risks. The National Safety Council reports that holiday periods like New Year’s consistently see an increase in traffic-related incidents due to alcohol impairment and reckless driving.

Our Construction Inspection Senior Project Manager, Stanley Elliott, PE, gave his best advice for staying safe on New Year’s Eve. “Stay at home,” Elliott emphasized. Although that’s not always possible, if you are able to celebrate at home and stay off the roads, you can guarantee your family is safer.

For those that are on the roads, Elliott’s best advice is, “Prepare to be stuck. Keep food, water, and extra blankets in your car and try to keep a full tank of gas throughout the winter months. Cars can easily get stuck on the side of the road and having goods to keep you warm and fed will help keep you safe.”

This advice is applicable to the many months of winter weather coming our way. Preparation isn’t just important on New Year’s Eve, but throughout the winter.

WEATHER: PLAN FOR UNPREDICTABLE CONDITIONS

While road safety is critical throughout the year, winter weather introduces additional challenges that require preparation.

North Texas experiences a wide range of winter weather conditions, from freezing rain and sleet to occasional snowfall. Freezing temperatures can cause concrete and asphalt to expand and contract, resulting in cracks and potholes that affect the roads and driving conditions as they age.

We often see “Bridge May Ice in Cold Weather” signs, warning of ice on bridges during cold weather. These signs remind drivers to be cautious when crossing bridges and overpasses in freezing conditions because they are especially susceptible to freezing temperatures due to their elevation and exposure to cold air.

Elliott has seen his fair share of accidents occur on overpasses throughout the winter months. “I’ve seen people go up on-ramps and slide backward all the way back down… Even if a road is sanded, there can still be layers of ice. The best thing you can do is go around the overpasses if possible or be sure slow down to avoid sliding on the ice.”

Those slippery surfaces can significantly increase stopping distances and reduce vehicle control. According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related crashes account for over 20% of all vehicle accidents annually, with ice and snow being leading contributors.

To help be prepared in inclement weather, start by checking the forecast to understand the conditions you might face before heading out. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained – with properly functioning tires, brakes, and windshield wipers to handle slippery roads – and you have an emergency kit that includes essentials such as a flashlight, blankets, and non-perishable food in case you get stuck.

FIREWORKS: HANDLE WITH CARE

Fireworks are a quintessential part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, but they come with their own set of dangers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that fireworks-related injuries peak around New Year’s, with burns and eye injuries being the most common.

To minimize risks when using fireworks, always follow local laws, as some areas may restrict their use, particularly during drought conditions. Maintain a safe distance from the launch area, and ensure that children are never allowed to handle fireworks. Additionally, have fire suppression tools ready, such as a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher, to address any unexpected incidents quickly.

If you are driving around neighborhoods or somewhere you see fireworks, remain fully focused on the road or pull over in a safe location to watch. Driving distracted can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to prioritize the well-being of ourselves and others. With a little preparation and caution, we can all enjoy a happy and safe start to the new year.

 

SOURCES:

• • National Safety Council: Holiday Impairment Risks
  • Federal Highway Administration: Weather-Related Accident Statistics
  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Injury Reports