No excuse in the book will change the fact that driving drunk is not OK. And you’ve probably heard them all:
I’ve only had a few.
I’ll be fine. I’ve driven buzzed before.
I live 5 minutes away, so driving is safer than walking back.
Don’t worry, I know where the checkpoints are – I won’t get pulled over.

It’s a scientific fact: The more alcohol you consume, the more your judgement is impaired. (Anyone who’s woken up to a cringeworthy text could tell you that.) With that in mind, it’s more important than ever to get a designated driver before you pop the bubbly this New Year’s Eve.
Bonus: In today’s tech-driven era, finding a DD is as easy as opening an app on your phone. So don’t make excuses. This year, make a plan.

1. Call an Uber or Lyft
Uh-oh – you said you’d just stay for one drink, but now you’re breaking out your impressions of the 2016 presidential candidates. It’s time to put away your keys.
In the moment, a sober driver is just a few taps away with Uber or Lyft. Better yet? Promo codes are easy to come by to lower the cost, especially for first-time riders. Check out this $20 credit from rideshare.services.
2. Hail a cab
Pro tip: In many cities, fares are discounted or even free on Dec. 31. Check with your local municipality to see if local businesses or nonprofits are sponsoring free cab rides. (And don’t forget to tip your driver!)
3. Ask a friend or family member
Not everyone is into champagne and sparklers on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask a sober pal to be on deck when you’re ready to call it a night. For good karma, return the favor by DDing next time, treating them to a thank-you dinner or buying a gas card.
4. BeMyDD
Looking for a sober ride home, but don’t want to worry about picking up your car in the morning? Hire someone to drive your car for you with BeMyDD. They’re available by phone or with an app in 76 cities in 31 states – the self-proclaimed largest designated driver service in the country. Pricing is by the hour, not by destination, so you can stop to pick up friends (or a drive-through burger) while you’re safely whisked away home.
5. Consult the Web
In the Internet era, you really don’t have the excuse of saying you couldn’t find a DD. For more resources, check out the National Directory of Designated Driver Services or this comprehensive list from AAA.
Don’t forget: If you’re hosting a New Year’s party with excessive alcohol, most states will hold you responsible for your guests’ actions behind the wheel. In those states, anyone injured by a drunk driver has the right to sue the host of the party who served the alcohol. Sometimes, criminal charges may even apply. Know your host liquor liability and make sure your guests have a safe and sober ride home.

​- See more at: https://www.erieinsurance.com/Blog/2015/designated-driver-for-new-years?utm_source=eriefacebook&utm_medium=eriesocial&utm_campaign=general#sthash.DEybuKnX.dpuf

Falling snow can be picturesque, but it can also wreak havoc on the roads. While no one enjoys driving in snowy or slippery conditions, there are steps you can take to help improve your safety with these winter driving tips.
Here are some guidelines that can help you stay safe when driving in adverse winter conditions:

• Make sure your car is prepared for cold temperatures and wintery conditions like snow and ice. Keep your equipment properly maintained and include a winter survival kit in your vehicle: an ice scraper, snow shovel and sand/salt.
• Clear snow and ice off your car – including windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors, hood, roof and trunk.
• Drive with your headlights on, and be sure to keep them clean to improve visibility.
• Use caution when snow banks limit your view of oncoming traffic.
• Avoid using cruise control in snowy or icy conditions. In adverse conditions, you want as much control of your car as possible.
• Know how to brake on slippery surfaces. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes operate much differently from those that do not have anti-lock brakes. You should consult your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions on how to brake properly if your vehicle should start to skid.
• Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This helps ensure you have a source of heat if you are stuck or stranded.
• If you do venture out or are unexpectedly caught in a snowstorm and encounter problems, stay in your car and wait for help. You can run the car heater to stay warm for 10 minutes every hour, but make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. There is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if snow blocks the pipe and enables the deadly gas to build up in your car. Open your window slightly to help prevent the buildup.
• Keep your windshield washer reservoir full, and make sure your car has wiper blades that are in good condition.
• Remember that speed limits are meant for dry roads, not roads covered in snow and ice. You should reduce your speed and increase your following distance as road conditions and visibility worsen.
• Be cautious on bridges and overpasses as they are commonly the first areas to become icy.
• Avoid passing snow plows and sand trucks. The drivers can have limited visibility, and the road in front of them could be worse than the road behind.
• Monitor road and weather conditions by checking local news stations or Internet traffic and weather sites.
• If you must travel during a snowstorm or in blizzard conditions, be sure to let a relative, friend or coworker know where you are headed and your expected arrival time. Avoid the temptation to check or be on your phone while driving as all of your attention should be on arriving safely.

As winter nears, make sure your home is prepared to withstand another season of cold temperatures, driving winds and icy conditions. The maintenance that you do today can help prevent more costly emergency repairs in the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors.
Download the Winter Home Maintenance Checklist Following are five important categories to focus on for this winter:
Your Heating SystemBefore you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.
Before winter:

• Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
• Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
• Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year. Pay particular attention to having creosote build-up removed for chimneys servicing woodstoves and fireplaces.

During winter:

• Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
• Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.
• Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Your InsulationIs your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking some time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

• Add extra insulation in the attic to guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
• Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
• Remove screens from windows, and install storm windows.

Your UtilitiesFreezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water. 

• Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

Your Winter Safety MeasuresAs you prepare for winter, following are some further safety measures that are especially important during the cold season.

• Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.
• Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
• Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.

Your Key Supplies and EquipmentThe first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators, in good working condition long before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.

• Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
• Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
• Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.​