Avoiding travel dangers on New Year’s Eve

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating for some but that can make the roads a dangerous place.

Joe Guerra, the director of hospitality for Fat Bottom Brewing Company and Teddy’s Tavern, has been in the industry for more than 20 years and has seen a lot.

“The band actually yelled out in the middle of a performance to someone, ‘Are you peeing in the sink?’“ Guerra said.

Stories like that influenced Jamie Dean’s plans for New Year’s Eve.

“[I’m] staying in the house,” Dean said.

While Dean plans to stay home, tons more will celebrate. Guerra said if you plan to go out plan ahead.

“...Plan ahead and schedule rides,” Guerra said. “I know Uber and Lyft do that where you can schedule rides at a certain point in time. And then there’s always a taxi cab.”

With many people expected to be out the cost of Lyft and Uber rides may skyrocket. If you can’t get a rideshare, Guerra recommends calling a friend who hasn’t been drinking to pick you up.

For those hosting people, allow them to stay over if they’ve had too much to drink.

Guerra said that if someone insists on driving, to have that awkward conversation with them.

“As a friend, I’ve done that numerous times where I say, ’No you are not driving. Give me your keys. I will get you in a car and get you home safely and then I’ll meet you tomorrow to give you your keys back.‘”

The biggest takeaway Guerra recommends that if you drink too much, always get a ride home.

“Don’t be stupid,“ Guerra said. He adds that you won’t only protect yourself but others as well.

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