Enjoy a safe night out on the town

A night out on the town here in Northwest Arkansas can be a great way to unwind, enjoy some exotic cuisine and soak up some local culture. While nights out on the town are all about having fun, it's important to prioritize safety when going out.

A safe night out on the town requires men and women to remain alert and aware of their surroundings and plan ahead so they don't put themselves in potentially precarious positions.

· Consume alcohol responsibly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every day 28 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Each of those deaths is preventable if people act responsibly when consuming alcohol. When going out for a night on the town, use a taxi service or ridesharing company to eliminate the chance of driving while intoxicated. When going out with friends, pick a designated driver who will abstain from alcohol throughout the night. Men and women who drive themselves but feel like they have had too much to drink to drive home can always keep their cars parked, call a taxi and return for their vehicles in the morning. The cost of the ride home pales in comparison to the cost of being arrested and/or getting into an accident.

· Travel in a group. When going out with friends, make sure the group stays together throughout the night so no one ends up alone and vulnerable to criminals. Single men and women should always go out with at least one friend in tow to ensure their safety. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, while only six of every 1,000 perpetrators of such crimes will end up in prison. Groups out for a night on the town should stay together and resolve to look after one another throughout the night, even going so far as to ensure everyone safely makes it into their vehicles before group members go their separate ways at the end of the night.

· Be mindful of all motorists. Even men and women who abstain from alcohol should be mindful of motorists when driving or walking around during a night on the town. Just because you're being responsible does not mean everyone is acting similarly. Obey the speed limit and keep ample distance between your vehicle and other cars on the road when driving after the sun goes down. Don't be afraid to pull over and even telephone the authorities if you notice anyone driving erratically.

· Avoid confrontations. The Alcohol Rehab Guide notes that irritability and extreme mood swings are warning signs that someone may be abusing alcohol. When out for a night on the town, men and women may encounter people who have had too much to drink. If a potentially volatile situation presents itself, walk way, even if you feel like you're in the right. The other person involved may not be of sound mind and might be more prone to violence than he or she otherwise would be if he or she had not been drinking.

Nights out on the town with friends are fun, but adults must make safety a priority when sampling local nightlife.

NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 08/25/2019

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