Don't Drink & Drive: Pittsburgh's Guide to New Year's Eve

Don't Have a Designated Driver This New Year's Eve? Check Out These Alternatives

It's a night filled with excitement, parties, and anticipation for the New Year. More often than not, these parties serve alcohol to ring in the New Year.

New Year's Eve get-togethers can be wildly fun for all who attend. However, they can become seriously dangerous if people are drinking and then decide to drive.

Our law firm strives to put a stop to dangerous drivers, especially when alcohol is involved. So if you're celebrating the New Year in Pittsburgh, we've put together a list of 6 alternatives to getting behind the wheel after your New Year's party.

1. Lyft, Uber, & Yellow Cab

Ridesharing companies are becoming more and more prominent, especially in the Pittsburgh area. Companies like Uber and Lyft can offer you and your loved ones a safe alternative to driving if you've been drinking.

You might also consider the Yellow Cab or Classy Cab companies in Pittsburgh for a more traditional taxi experience. Call ahead to make a reservation if you know your plans in advance.

If you don't plan ahead, your wait time might be left to the demands of the evening. While this is becoming less of an issue as more companies work the Pittsburgh roads, plan ahead to make sure you aren't left out in the cold.

2. Riding the Train

Pittsburgh's train system – The T – is a convenient form of public transportation that's relatively cheap as well. You can go anywhere from downtown to the South Hills, with many stops along the way, to get you where you need to go. So instead of driving on New Year's, why not ride the train?

Stop over to the Port Authority website to learn more about schedules, costs, and stops for Pittsburgh's T.

3. Riding the Bus

Can't find your stop on the T? Pittsburgh's bus transit system might be a better alternative for travelling to your New Year's festivities. There's a wide system of buses that arrive every few minutes that can take you to most places throughout the city.

Bus schedules, prices, routes, and more are listed at the Port Authority website.

4. Finding a Hotel

While this option can be expensive, it'll be less costly in the long run than a DUI or accident. Before your New Year's celebration starts, call around to the many hotels in Pittsburgh to find yourself a place to stay.

Many hotels will assist you in finding easy transportation to and from their premises. While it might not be the cheapest alternative, it certainly beats drunk driving.

5. Holiday Mocktails

Maybe you're throwing your own New Year's party and plan on having a number of guests. It's always gracious of a host to consider how your guests will get home. That's why we recommend providing non-alcoholic "mocktails" to your designated drivers.

Visit our Holiday Mocktails page to find recipes and more. We'll help you understand Pennsylvania's Social Host Law, which might hold you responsible for guests even after they leave your party.

6. Stay with a Friend

While not everyone is lucky enough to know someone willing to offer up a bed, couch, or floor for the night, this is always a smart alternative to driving after you've been drinking. Staying on a friend's couch might not be the most comfortable night's sleep you'll ever get, but we recommend it over getting behind the wheel.

If you know someone in the city, plan ahead of time with this person to arrange spending the night. We're certain your friend would rather see you alive and asleep on their couch than driving a car after you've been drinking.

Whatever You Do – Don't Drink and Drive

Every year we see the tragic results of drunk drivers. These mistakes not only impact their lives, but the lives of their families, strangers, and loved ones hurt in an accident.

Don't drink and drive. Make sure you have a back-up plan. Think ahead and have a reservation ready. Whatever you decide, make sure you're safe this New Year's Eve.