Realty Ideas Per Day

The holidays are a time for celebration, and if your festivities include alcohol, securing a safe ride home is the most important decision you’ll make all night. Never rely on the hope that you’ll feel “okay to drive” later; make a firm commitment to use a ride-share service or taxi before your first drink. The best practice is to pre-book or pre-stage your ride—download the apps, check for surge pricing estimates, and verify that your payment method is active well ahead of time. This preparedness eliminates the stress and fumbling that can happen late in the evening. Furthermore, always double-check the license plate and driver’s name displayed in the app before getting into any vehicle to ensure you are entering the correct ride, a small step that greatly enhances your safety.

In addition to planning the logistics, be a proactive passenger for both safety and courtesy. If you’re riding with a group, consolidate your pick-up point to one easy-to-find location, rather than having the driver navigate multiple addresses. When demand is high (like midnight on New Year’s Eve), use the ride-share’s scheduled ride feature for better predictability, or be prepared to wait slightly longer than usual. For taxis, always confirm the fare or rate structure before the ride begins. Most importantly, be courteous and respectful to your driver, especially during the hectic holiday season—a quick thank you and a thoughtful tip are always appreciated, making you a great patron and ensuring reliable service for future riders.

The holiday season is a joyous whirlwind of work parties, family gatherings, and festive toasts. While the cheer is contagious, it’s also a time of heightened risk on the roads. The simple truth is that impaired driving, whether from a few celebratory cocktails or a glass of wine too many, can turn a wonderful evening into a tragic mistake. Your holiday planning checklist shouldn’t end with “buy a gift” or “bake cookies”; it must begin with “secure a safe ride home.” Waiting until the end of the night, when your judgment is already compromised, is a recipe for disaster. Before you even head out, proactively arrange a designated driver, pre-book a ride-share service, or verify the contact information for local taxis. Making this commitment before your first sip is the single most important decision you can make to protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Choosing a safe ride is the ultimate holiday gift to your community and yourself. The cost of a ride-share is a tiny fraction of a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge, which can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and the crushing weight of guilt if an accident occurs. Even if you are hosting, your responsibility extends to ensuring your guests depart safely—collecting keys upon arrival, offering non-alcoholic drinks, and having local taxi numbers handy are small acts of hospitality with enormous consequences. Let’s make a collective commitment this year: plan ahead, look out for your friends, and prioritize safety. The best holiday memories are the ones you get to make—and relive—safely at home.