New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it is also one of the most dangerous nights of the year on Texas roads. With increased travel and busier gatherings, the night brings joy and risk. Staying safe during this time can make all the difference as you bring in the new year.
In communities like Austin and across Texas, law enforcement agencies usually increase patrols during the holiday season to reduce car accidents and discourage drunk driving. To protect motorists better, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced heightened traffic enforcement efforts through Jan. 1.
The Carlson Law Firm’s New Year’s Eve safety tips in Austin can help to prepare for celebrations.
Why New Year’s Eve Road Safety Matters
Understanding the risks of impaired driving and celebrations is important to avoid serious injuries or legal consequences. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign, there were over 2,000 drunken-driving crashes across the state in the 2024 holiday season.
Of those crashes, there were 96 deaths and 201 serious injuries. These figures prove how a celebration can become tragic, not only for the impaired driver but for everyone else. Alcohol is not the only danger to road safety on New Year’s Eve, though.
Heavy traffic and distractions can cause issues with driving, especially under the influence. If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident in Austin, contact The Carlson Law Firm and schedule a free consultation for compassionate legal help.
Plan Ahead for Austin DWI Prevention
Holiday driving safety in Austin starts before you ever leave the house. Planning in advance can reduce your risk of being involved in Texas DWI consequences and avoid personal injury on New Year’s Eve. General safety tips are to:
- Designate a sober driver to be responsible for driving you and your group home safely.
- Use ride-sharing or public transportation as safer alternatives to avoid drunk driving in Austin.
- Communicate your plans with friends or family before the night begins to keep accountability and avoid last-minute decisions.
- Stay where you are celebrating for Austin DWI prevention, especially if it is late at night.
Austin has multiple late-night options to help you avoid a DWI or nighttime crash. However, if you are arrested for DWI, The Carlson Law Firm may be able to help when you call to schedule a free consultation.
Road Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve
Even if you plan to drink responsibly or avoid drinking at all, holiday traffic has risks beyond impairment. If you plan to be driving, or even walking, here are some precautions for holiday driving safety in Austin:
- Buckle up for every trip
- Avoid late-night driving when possible
- Avoid distractions, including phone use and multitasking behind the wheel
- Allow extra time for travel
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in areas with low visibility or higher foot traffic
Keep in mind that a lot of impaired-driving accidents take place between the late evening and early morning hours, so you can also plan around that. Giving yourself extra time to reach destinations can avoid having to rush, which is the cause of many accidents.
DWI Consequences in Texas
There are several consequences to a DWI beyond potential fines and jail time. A DWI conviction in Texas can lead to increased insurance rates and a suspended license. These long-lasting effects can impactfinancial stability and personal freedoms long after ringing in the new year.
According to Texas Penal Code 49.04, a driver can be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. It is important to know that law enforcement may still arrest you even if you are under that limit if you exhibit impaired physical or mental faculties.
Remembering New Year’s Eve safety tips can prevent these types of DWI consequences. If you do need legal help with a DWI arrest or a personal injury, contact The Carlson Law Firm and schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Crash or Injury
No one plans to get in an accident, but one can happen at any time. Knowing what steps to take in that situation can protect your rights and health. Steps you can follow after an accident are:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries do not always show up immediately, so it is important to have a medical record linking injuries to your accident for insurance and legal claims.
- Call law enforcement to report the crash. This creates an objective, official record of the accident.
- Exchange information with the other parties involved. This should include names, phone numbers, insurance details and license plate numbers.
- Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage and road conditions. Take photos of any visible injuries, too. These can support insurance and legal claims.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as you can. It is important to let your insurance company know about the accident but speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
- Speak to an attorney. An experienced Austin attorney at The Carlson Law Firm can help clarify your legal options after a car accident and assist with insurance negotiations.
Choose to Avoid Drunk Driving in Austin
There are typically issues with insurance and liability after crashes with impaired drivers. If physical injuries and potential medical care are not bad enough, property damage and emotional trauma can cause further problems.
DWI consequences in Texas can be severe, but a victim can pursue compensation through insurance claims. In some cases, they can also seek a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can help evaluate whether you have a claim and guide you toward compensation.
Remember Safety Tips on New Year’s Eve in Austin
Planning ahead and safe driving habits can help to avoid tragedy on what should be a joyful New Year’s Eve. Roads become busier and the risks increase during holiday periods, so avoid drunk driving in Austin and stay aware of safety.
If your plans include drinking, remember the safety tips on New Year’s Eve in Austin. Designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service and always buckle up. Celebrating responsibly can protect you and the people around you better during the holidays.
If the unexpected does happen and you are injured or involved in a car accident on New Year’s Eve, there is legal help. The Carlson Law Firm hopes that everyone celebrates wisely and wishes you a safe and happy New Year.
