New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year. Many people drink heavily at New Year’s house parties and events. If you are planning on hosting a New Year’s gathering this year, or you are planning on attending one at a family member or friend’s house, then you should know about some common safety hazards associated with this holiday.
4 Causes of Injuries on New Year’s Eve
- Drunk driving. New Year’s is the number one holiday for fatal drunk driving accidents. There is an increase in the number of drunk drivers during this holiday due to New Year’s Eve parties. You do have options to protect yourself. Have a plan for your night, such as using a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft. You could also arrange for a designated driver before attending the party.
- Alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning causes an increase in the number of emergency room visits during the holidays, specifically on New Year’s. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, confusion, and unconsciousness.
- Fireworks. Besides the Fourth of July, New Year’s has the most firework-related injuries. In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 people were injured due to fireworks around the holidays. Common injuries include burns to the hands, fingers and arms, as well as eye injuries.
- Slip and falls. Big crowds in small spaces can result in people slipping and falling. If you plan on hosting a party for New Year’s, it’s crucial that you clean spills and other hazards. Your guests could suffer injuries if you do not clean spills. You should also clear outside walkways and stairs near your property and spread ice melt in order to prevent falling on any ice or snow.
If you are hurt this New Year’s Eve due to someone else’s negligence, you could potentially recover compensation for your injuries. Our Northeastern Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at O’Donnell Law Offices have represented victims who were seriously injured from holiday accidents, so call us today for your free consultation.