Heading Out New Year's Eve? Save These Cab Numbers for a Safe Ride Home

It may be tradition to celebrate New Year's Eve with a glass of champagne, but if you're planning to enjoy more than one glass of the bubbly beverage, you may want to consider a designated driver to ensure you actually make it to 2013.

Whether you're planning to enjoy just one drink at midnight or figure on staying out until dawn, the golden rule on this night is safety first.

Plan Before You Party

With no school or work the next day, hitting the bars New Year's Eve may seem a fantastic idea – that is until you realize you don't have a plan to get home after a night of revelry.

A trusted designated driver is always the best way to go, but if everyone in the party is planning to drink, scheduling a cab or driving service is the next best choice. Even choosing to walk to a nearby pub, or spending the evening at a friend's home is better than drinking and driving.

Bottom line? Have a plan before you head out.

Police departments across the county will be ramping up patrols and while you may not see them, officers will be out in force to keep drunken drivers off the streets.

If you're planning to head out New Year's Eve, schedule a pick up, or save the number of one of the companies below to make sure you and your friends get home safely.

• 4 My Ride, 586-698-2301
• Suburban Cab, 800-410-8294
• Shamrock Cab Co., 877-775-8294
  

Find a Bar or Restaurant Close to You

From Waldenburg Bar on Romeo Plank to Tin Fish in The Mall at Partridge Creek, there are plenty of places to grab a New Year's Eve drink around town. Looking for a hall party? Check out our list of New Year's Eve bashes around town. You may still be able to score tickets to many of them.

Post-Party Word to the Wise

Believe it or not, alcohol is not a hydrating fluid, so no matter how much you drink, your body will still be feeling thirsty. Should you find yourself on the road to over-consumption tonight, opt for a few glasses of water or fruit juice between drinks and definitely before you go to bed.

Alcohol dehydrates the body, so replenishing the vitamins and liquid you lost during the party hours can make all the difference the next day. If you're not a fan of water, popular substitutes are Gatorade and Pedialyte (not just for kids).

Patch does not encourage or condone drinking, but should you choose to celebrate New Year's Eve in this fashion, please be safe and whatever you do, don't drink and drive!