As New Year's Eve fast approaches it's worth remembering a few things to help you have a safe and accident-free celebration.

People do many different things to ring in the new year, whether it be entertaining at home or hanging out at a nightclub drinking a glass of non-alcohol or alcoholic bubbly.

Family-types often go and enjoy Bermuda's version of New York's Times Square celebrations in St. George's King's Square with fireworks, local singers, and the famous lowering of the Bermuda onion at the stroke of midnight.

Chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, George Morton Jr., said this year, in a bid to encourage people to use their own judgment and not abuse alcohol, there will be no designated driver or free ride programmes on New Year's Eve.

"We also thought we could better use the budget to educate people,'' Mr.

Morton added.

He also said: "We want to see what progress the public has made to make the roads safe on their own without being dependent on the Road Safety Counsel.

"We are trying to encourage people to try and be more responsible for their own actions. We are trying to make road safety a collective effort and, at the end of the day, if people don't partake of the programmes we have previously showed them such as designated drives, carpools etc., then we are going to experience some of the road user catastrophes that we experienced last year.'' Mr. Morton said his wish for this year is that, as in the past, everyone has a very safe, happy and joyous New Year's which will hopefully continue into the new year.

"People need to be aware of their actions and the possible consequences if they act in an irresponsible manner.

"We need to be able to invigilate ourselves and each other as a collective community or group, as opposed to community watchdog groups needing to police the public's actions,'' Mr. Morton said.

Sgt. Chris Wilcox of the Police Service' Crime Prevention Unit said while it is important to watch your alcoholic intake to prevent accidents, partygoers should also make sure their homes are secured when no one is home.

"The thing is to not be careless when going out. Take measures before leaving home to safe guard belongings even when your leaving kids at home,'' Sgt.

Wilcox said.

He added: "Along with security, you also have to think of fire hazards; don't leave tree lights on. When securing your home you should draw curtains, leave lights on inside the house to give the impression that people are there.

"It is also a good idea to leave a radio or television playing, and some outside lights on. All windows should be checked and if you are having a baby sitter you need to go over with the person what their responsibilities are and you also want to leave a number with the sitter where you can be contacted.

"The babysitter should be told, if necessary, the number of your family doctor.'' Sgt. Wilcox also said the babysitter should be shown where the fire extinguisher is kept in the house along with the fuse box.

"If no one is going to be in the house do not leave cheque books or cash lying around. And ladies should obviously put their jewellry somewhere safe he added.'' Police public relations officer, Pc Gary Venning, said people should be careful of where they put there belongings any time they are in public particularly ladies with handbags.

"Anytime they are in a bar, ladies tend to put their bags under the seats, they need to always be aware or when dancing, they should leave it with someone they trust,'' Pc Venning said.

He added: "If hosting a party be sure that rooms where valuables belonging to guests are kept are properly secured.''