New Years Eve is a time to celebrate a year's accomplishments and set goals for the next year. But it is also notorious for higher rates of drunk driving and firework-related accidents.
To help prepare for a safer New Year's Eve, KWBU reporter Molly-Jo Tilton sat down with Waco Police Chief Sheryl Victorian.
KWBU: What are some of the typical safety concerns that you see on New Year's Eve?
Victorian: Some of the safety concerns for police officers are individuals who are driving under the influence and of course, fireworks. So those are two of the main things that keep us awake and keep us busy.
KWBU: And what are some of the things that you would say to folks as tips to be more safe in those categories?
Victorian: So, we're talking about, driving under the influence. There are several options that people have, right? First of all, not going out alone. Second, knowing your limit. And then third, taking advantage if you have had too much to drink, taking advantage of some of the resources around town where people are picking you up and taking you home. We even have Waco Transit who is partnering with Tow Kings, and they're offering free rides and free tows to your home so that you don't drive under the influence.
So we know people often say, I feel fine. Yeah, well, that's not what we're measuring when we're pulling you over after you've caused an accident or you start weaving.
To organize a free ride with Waco Transit and Tow King, call (254) 750-1620. You can schedule a ride ahead of time at no charge.
KWBU: Speaking of driving and being safe on the roads on New Year's Eve, are there key times that people should avoid? You know, I know growing up my dad was always like, "be off the road before midnight" and those sorts of things. So are there key times that you see?
Victorian: You know, unfortunately, people start early, right, and into the next day, but it's particularly dangerous at night because you can't see, right, you've got limited vision. So I would say any time after dark until the early morning really, really be mindful of where you on the road. Who else is on the road with you? If individuals are weaving in and out of traffic or driving dangerously or suspiciously, then call a local public safety agency and let us investigate so we can see what's going on before they cause harm to you or somebody else.
KWBU: And should they call the emergency number or the non-emergency number?
Victorian: So depending on the circumstance, if somebody's life is in immediate danger, absolutely call 911. But if it's somebody slow rolling and weaving, you know call the non-emergency line (254-750-7500) to get somebody to your location. And if things happen to change, those individuals on that line know how to transfer to the 911 dispatchers to prioritize that call.
KWBU: What are some other general tips you might have for a safe and fun New Year's Eve celebration?
Victorian: Yeah, for people to just plan ahead. If you know that you're going to be drinking, make sure you go with somebody else who may not be a drinker or will not drink as much. Designate a sober driver or someone who's not drinking at all, right? Use public transportation or arrange for rideshare and make sure that you're staying alert.
And if you're hosting, just be a responsible host, right, and making sure that you're paying attention to the individuals that you're serving alcohol to and that you have some responsibility in that person leaving your establishment or your home under the influence. Take keys, you know, let them stay over for the night, or just take it upon yourself to call them a ride-share, to get them home safely and to make sure we keep our fellow residents and Waco safe.
KWBU: Is there anything else I didn't ask you about that you wanted to add?
Victorian: It is illegal to pop fireworks within the city limits, and we will have officers out and about along with our fire department, our fire marshals looking for individuals who are violating that law and we will hold them accountable for that. But it happens a lot. It's very scary. It's noisy and it's against the law. So don't do it.
And then something I did not mention oh my gosh this this is important. People like firing off weapons right. That is really a bigger concern to me. Fireworks can hurt you. They can injure you when you're when you're popping them. But when you fire off a weapon, when people don't realize that that round comes down as fast as it goes up. People report holes in their roofs the next day, and it's just a very dangerous situation. So don't do it. If we're riding around and we see you with a weapon in your hand or, or receive information of a discharge and we're able to locate you, we're going to hold you accountable.
The non-emergency number for the Waco Police is (254) 750-7500. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
