Have a Safe And Happy New Years Eve!
As midnight approaches, I am sure that many people are busy with plans for the New Year's celebration. Unfortunately, many of those celebrations include excessive amounts of alcohol. Coupled with the difficult driving conditions that New Yorker's have faced over the last several days, this New Year's Eve is an especially dangerous night out.
If you are planning on driving tonight, designate a driver. To some, a designated driver is a joke as the drunk driver is usually all too quick to boast how well he can drive intoxicated. However, a designated driver not only protects you as a passenger but it also protects other people out on the roads and even those simply crossing the street. Faced with slippery, snow narrowed streets, the difference in reaction time between an impaired driver and sober one becomes critical when winter weather is involved. A designated driver will save your life.
Even walking home on a night like tonight brings added dangers. Although some people feel that its safer to walk home tonight, the sheer amount of snow still left on our streets brings added danger from slip and falls and from cars that don't have enough room to pass by. Many streets and sidewalks still are not fully cleaned from the snow, forcing many Staten Island residents to walk out into the street, facing cars speeding along. Despite some driver's feeling that they are able to safely pass you, if they can see you, the side-view mirrors of many cars extend out past the body of the car. Even if the car doesn't hit you, the mirror may, causing serious injuries. If you are walking in the street, stop walking and get out of the way until a car passes you. Don't take for granted that the driver sees you or has enough room to pass you.
If you are out and about tonight, take extra precautions. Make sure that you leave early so you wont need to rush. Designate a driver if you plan on drinking or, better yet, just call cab service. If you do drive, keep a sharp lookout for people walking alongside the street and crossing at intersections. If you plan on walking, make sure you wear light colored clothing and take extra care when crossing the street. If you are headed out to Times Square, wear appropriate clothing as you will be forced to stand outside for hours in the cold.
I wish all a very Happy and Healthy New Years and a safe and prosperous 2011. I look forward to continuing to help keep Staten Islander''s safe and providing important information regarding issues that affect homeowners, workers and students.
