New Year’s Eve celebrations are universally shared good times. Who doesn’t look forward to the food, the countdown, the beverages? Of course, for some, a little too much of a good time will result in a bit of a headache tomorrow – the hangover to start the new year. For others, too much of a good time could turn into an even bigger headache – the kind that lingers for months and years. That headache is called a DUI. But, even a DUI is better than the kind of headache that ends with people hurt or worse after an accident caused by someone under the influence.

The latter leads to missed time from work, pain and suffering, atmospheric hospital bills or even funerals. The DUI is also expensive. The lawyer’s fees compete with medical fees for hitting just the right note in terms of the ‘ouch factor.’ Then there are the fines and other fees associated with taking a DUI to court. Finally, there are the increased auto insurance rates. Someone with a DUI feels as though ‘they’re’ coming at ‘em from all sides because, well, they are.

If all the fees are painful, consider the ‘inconvenience’ associated with a loss of driving privileges. DUIs can lead to job loss, marital breakdowns and estrangement from family members who feel let down.

We’ve all seen those middle-aged guys riding bicycles. No, not the fitness crowd with their embarrassingly tight outfits and the brightly colored acorn on their heads. These are the folks who have taken their grown child’s bicycle out of storage and are demonstrating the admirable ability to ride a bike while balancing a box of beer on the handlebars.

How did they get there? DUIs – not always on New Year’s Eve but, either way, theirs is not a membership most eagerly seek.

How to enjoy New Year’s Eve without any trace of concerns over DUIs or accidents

A DUI is not something most people will have to deal with after the New Year’s Eve celebration. Most will, if necessary, sleep off their good time on New Year’s Day. Some of these may have driven when they shouldn’t have and were lucky enough not to get caught or get into an accident. Others were simply wise enough to make other arrangements.

One logical arrangement is the appointment of a designated driver. This works well, assuming the driver faithfully forgoes imbibing in the consumption of alcohol, or any other mind-altering chemicals. It works best if it’s someone who wouldn’t drink anyhow. Otherwise, one among you, who would drink, will have to fall on their sword for the good of the rest of you.

There is a way to allow everyone in your party to enjoy the holiday to the fullest and without worry; hire someone to drive you. For instance, you might call a cab. Then again, on a night as special as this, who wants to ride in some dirty cab where the last passengers may have recently vomited? Better yet, why not arrange for your conveyance beforehand by hiring a limousine?

With a limo, you’ll ride in style. In fact, the party will start before you arrive at the party. The ride is part of the party.

“We understand that people call a limousine because they want their night to be special,” said Scott Haukereid, the owner of McHenry Limousine with partner Marty Robb. “Renting a limo alleviates all the worries. You can just party and have a good time. And it’s a lot cheaper than a DUI. They say the minimum for a DUI now is about $10 grand.”

Haukereid said that McHenry Limousine will be fully staffed on New Year’s Eve.

“To reserve a limo, give us a call at 800-344-4466,” he said. “You can also check us out online at www.mchenrylimousine.com.”