It’s a damp, cold New Year's Eve, and the evening bringing in 2013 will likely be a wet one. Still, a fresh start is always reason to celebrate. Whether you’re braving the crowds with 35,000 others in Victory Park for the largest NYE celebration in the Central Time Zone, Big D NYE, or enjoying a nice dinner somewhere in Dallas, it’s important to keep safety first. Here are some tips from USA.gov for ensuring that your night is both enjoyable and safe:

If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party:

Plan ahead by naming a "designated driver." Make this your responsibility as the host.

Contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests.

Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests.

Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.

Provide your guests with a place to stay overnight in your home.

If you are attending New Year's Eve parties and celebrations:

If you drink, don't drive.

Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the party or celebration begins.

If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit, or get a sober friend or family member to come pick you up. Or, stay where you are until you are sober.

Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive.