It’s New Year’s Eve, a holiday renowned for fireworks, ball (or pineapple) drops, forgetting the words to "Auld Lang Syne," and, of course, lots and lots of Champagne. It’s OK to indulge, but if you’re going to do so, we implore you to leave the car keys at home.

In a study released by CarInsurance.com, and confirmed in a fact brief by Suncoast Searchlight, between 2014 and 2023, Sarasota was ranked as the county with the most auto-related fatalities in the nation on New Year’s Eve, with 2.3 deaths per 100,000 people. Manatee County was second in the nation, with 2.0 deaths per 100,000 people. The study cites driving under the influence and distracted driving (like talking on the phone or texting) as the top reasons for these accidents.

Although these figures come from just one independent study, it’s important to keep them in mind when planning New Year’s Eve festivities. If you’re going to celebrate tonight, plan a ride and follow these tips to avoid a regrettable hangover in the morning.

Know Your Serving Sizes

As a quick reference: a typical drink means a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine or a mixed drink with 1.5 oz. of spirits. How your body processes alcohol can vary based on your age, gender, height and weight. We don't expect you to do math while partying, but tools like The Virtual Bar will use your information to help you better understand your limits and plan for a comfortable evening out.

Cram Some Calories

Is it more fun to eat with friends or cheers with friends? Why not both? Eating before or while drinking helps to slow alcohol absorption (as though we even need to be persuaded to eat).

Set a Limit and Stick to it

If you can limit yourself to buying only one new thing at the mall or eating one sweet treat a week, use that self-control while out with friends, too. You'll thank us tomorrow.

Hydrate. With Water.

Put the energy drink down and pick up a glass of water. Your body is begging for hydration, and alternating between alcohol and water is a great way to keep it together until the pineapple drops in downtown Sarasota at midnight.

Keep an Eye on Your Drink

One of the best parts of New Year's Eve is unexpectedly running into old friends and picking up a few new ones. We're all for big fun crowds, but keep your drink safely in hand, just in case there are any bad apples out there.