In 2020 we saw fatal accidents drop over the holiday season, as many people cancelled plans and stayed home. This year, it is expected that the roads will once again be full of holiday revellers heading to Grandma’s house – or wherever the festivities will be. In Florida, our roads get particularly crowded as Thanksgiving coincides with the start of tourist and snowbird season. That makes for speeding cars, busy intersections – and a need for motorists to be especially careful when they head out to celebrate.

We have discussed the unique traffic perils of South Florida in the past. At this time of year, hundreds of thousands of people who are unfamiliar with our roads are driving next to us. Of course, during the holiday there is always enhanced danger of individuals driving under the influence or when fatigued after a night of family fun. If you are hosting the Thanksgiving party this year, there are a few ways that you can encourage a safe gathering, and a safe trip home afterward.

Here are some tips for the host of the party to be a responsible host.

Start the party earlier: Many cultures do this as a tradition. Instead of having the main meal at dinnertime, consider serving your meal in the early afternoon. This may take some extra early preparation, but allows your guests to eat, drink and visit – and still drive home relatively early in the day, before they are tired and sleepy.
Make sure there is plenty of food: This may seem obvious – it’s Thanksgiving, after all! But often there are few options to eat before the turkey is presented, and in the absence of food people tend to drink. Consider making the main meal a little less robust, and instead plan for finger foods and appetizers to be served throughout the event. In this way, people aren’t drinking too much before the food is ready, and can offset their drink with food in their stomach.
Make less alcohol available: You don’t have to abolish alcohol completely, but you can limit the amount offered to your friends and family. Instead of a full bar, beer and wine, consider less of a selection. You can also put out less alcohol at a time – you can always replenish if necessary.
Get creative with beverages: Often people make a mixed drink so as not to drink a “boring” glass of water or tea. Look up recipes and plan a fun and festive “mocktail” bar, with delicious and interesting drinks that can be enjoyed without fear of boredom – or intoxication. Designer and flavored coffees, ciders and hot chocolates are also a fun way to promote non-alcoholic drinks.
Stop serving alcohol before the party ends: Just like “last call” at a bar, consider putting away the alcohol towards the end of dinner. Then serve coffee and dessert and invite your guests to mingle for a while. This will naturally create a buffer period between alcohol and anyone getting into their car.
Have some fun with designated drivers: As guests arrive, let them know that there is a raffle prize or “goody bag” available to anyone who chooses to be a designated driver. While adults should not need to be rewarded for legal and safe behavior, it’s just a fun way to acknowedge their choice.
Have a guest room ready: If you have a guest room, have it set up with linens, towels, and a couple spare toothbrushes – just in case someone should stay at your house rather than heading home. An unexpected houseguest and a little inconvenience is better than a DUI or an accident.
Look up the numbers for Uber, Lyft and taxi cabs: Be ready with the numbers to call if someone should not get into their car – whether because of alcohol or fatigue.