Whether you’re in college or a recent grad, chances are that you’re heading out for some fun tonight. I know I am! Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve and January 1 are big days in the medical emergency world. People are hurt doing stupid shit for stupid reasons. Sigh.

Here are some tips to stay safe tonight:

• If possible, stay off the roads. Even if you don’t drink, other people do, and drunk drivers put EVERYONE on the road at risk. Tonight, there will be a lot of drunk people behind the wheel. Instead of being out there with them, find a place and stay there all night. Or, host a party at you house (and be sure to steal keys when your friends have more than a few beers).

• Know your limits. This is especially key if you’re a recent college grad and don’t party like you used to. Sure, in college, you might have been able to do three keg stands in a row, but that might not be the case anymore! Slow down when you start to feel drunk and stop before you get sick. Throwing up really isn’t cool.

• Stick to legal vices. There’s nothing safe about coke, X, and other drugs. Alcohol is dangerous enough so as it is. I hate to sound like a mom or something, but you don’t need that shit to have a good time ringing in the new year.

• Party with people you trust. If you get drunk at a bar, are you with old friends who will bring you home or new neighbors that might just leave you there to fend for yourself? Can you trust that co-worker not to take advantage of you after you’ve downed a beer or two? Party with people who care.

• Don’t go home with people you don’t know. That’s how STDs happen. And babies. Unless you don’t have plans for September or something. At least wear a condom.

• Watch your drink. If its been out of your site for even just a minute, don’t drink it. You can’t taste or smell date rape drugs, and you won’t be able to defend yourself until it is too late.

• Forget the fireworks. Little sparklers are ok, but if you have to sneak them into your state or register for a permit to use them, forget it. Instead, get your community together to raise money for a fire department-sponsored fireworks show next year.

Really, it just comes down to using good judgment. Sorry for being on a soapbox here, but I want every AG reader to come back safely tomorrow! Remember, if it seems like a stupid idea, it probably is. Just because you’re drunk and it is a holiday doesn’t mean that you’re somehow invincible.