Rides, Not Regrets: Your Guide to a Safe and Sober New Year’s Eve in SWLA

Ah, New Year’s Eve, the night when everyone’s resolutions go out the window before they’ve even had a chance to write them down. The ball drops, the champagne flows, and suddenly, you’re doing the Macarena in someone’s front yard while wearing a party hat as a crown. Good times, right? Absolutely. But here’s where things get serious: don’t let the fun end in a police station, a hospital, or worse.

Let’s talk about the big no-no: drinking and driving.

In Southwest Louisiana, we’ve got our fair share of backroads and bayous, but this isn’t a Frogger-level video game where you dodge headlights and gators on your way home. There are better ways to get from Point A to Point B, even after you’ve had one too many Hurricanes. Let’s break it down.

Option 1: Call a Cab
You might be thinking, “Do cabs still exist?” Yes, my friend, they do. In Lake Charles, companies like Yellow Cab of SWLA (Call 337-433-8282) will gladly scoop you up and get you home. It’s not Uber-fancy, but it beats sitting in the backseat of a cop car, explaining your life choices to Officer No-Nonsense.

Option 2: Ride Share Apps
Southwest Louisiana has Uber and Lyft at your fingertips. All you need is a smartphone and a little sobriety to open the app. Not sure how to start? Here are the links to download the apps:
Uber
Lyft
Pro tip: Schedule your ride ahead of time if you know where you’re partying. You don’t want to be that person refreshing the app while your friends sing “Auld Lang Syne” without you.

Option 3: Designate a Driver
Find a buddy who’s willing to stick to soda all night. Bribe them with food, gas money, or the promise that next time, you’ll be the DD. Bonus: They’ll get to remind you of your dance floor antics the next day.

Option 4: Party Buses and Shuttles
Some local bars or venues offer transportation for their patrons. Call ahead to see if your favorite watering hole has a ride service lined up.

The Bottom Line
There’s nothing funny about ending the year—or starting a new one—with a DUI, a crash, or worse. Be smart. Plan ahead. And if you need one last reason to play it safe, imagine explaining your mugshot to your boss, your grandma, or your future self. Spoiler alert: None of them will be impressed.

Stay safe, Southwest Louisiana. Let’s start the new year off right—alive, well, and maybe just a little hungover (but safely at home). Cheers to 2025!