Top 7 Ways to Avoid a DUI on New Year's Eve

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4. Carpools/Rideshares
Budgets don't always leave room for party buses, limos or even taxi cabs, but if you're looking for a way to get around on New Year's Eve, chances are that other people are, too. So pool your resources, join forces and avoid breaking the bank with a carpool. Craigslist has a section devoted entirely to rideshares, where you can browse offers and post your own ride needs, too. There's also Southern California 511, a free service that supplies L.A.-area transport information, including where to find a carpool. Similarly, eRideshare.com is free to join, and you can browse matches based on your needs. While these services are tailored for commuters, they're also a way to help plan special events, and that includes New Year's Eve.

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3. Public Transportation
If you're willing to take advantage of L.A.'s public transport system on NYE, there's no need to plan your celebrations around a timetable. The Metro Red, Purple, Blue, Green, Gold and Orange Lines operate a special 24-hour service every 20 minutes, and from 9pm to 2am, it's free. The Metro also offers several apps and other resources for smartphones, including a mobile website, simple trip planner, Nextrip (which forecasts bus arrivals) and the ever-handy Go Metro app, too.

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2. Tow Trucks
Usually, getting your car towed isn't a good thing, but with AAA's Tipsy Tow service, you're the one doing the towing. If you're too drunk to drive home, just call 1-800-400-4222, and a tow truck shows up to haul your car and give you a ride up to seven miles away -- for free. You don't need to be a member of AAA, either. Of course, you could just park your car wherever you want and another towing company will probably take it away, too.

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1. Friends
Finally, let's not forget our most important and reliable resources -- our friends. While making plans for New Year's Eve, think about sharing across social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Or just send out a group email asking whether anyone would be willing to be the designated driver. If New Year's Eve rolls around and you need a last-minute ride home, send out a text to contacts in your address book, or better yet, just pick up the phone and call someone. Chances are they'll be glad to hear from you.