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A Few Friendly Reminders To Stay Safe On New Year's Eve
(Photo Courtesy of The Music Center LA via Instagram)
Time to say goodbye to 2016. The New Year is only a few hours away, and as people across the Southland go out to celebrate 2017 (or to say farewell to what will, for sure, be a year for the books) Los Angeles city officials have some friendly reminders.
“Despite public warnings and common sense, many people across Los Angeles disregard advisements and basic firearm safety and discharge firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the new year,'' Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Lillian Peck said, notes City News Service. “The adage of 'what goes up, must come down' rings especially true in this case. The danger of injuring someone with firing even a single round into the air is a lethal prospect.''
Just to spell this out clearly: firing into the air (at midnight on New Year’s Eve or otherwise) is not only a felony offense, but endangers the lives of countless people around.
“If you see someone discharge a firearm in public or into the air, take immediate shelter and call 911,” Peck added. “Do not attempt to confront the shooter.”
Beyond common sense firearm safety, officials are also cautioning tonight’s partiers to stay alert on city streets.
New Year’s Eve sees heightened incidences of drunk driving fatalities, so, please (on New Year’s Eve or otherwise) do not drink and drive. All of Metro’s rail and bus lines will operate free of charge between 9 p.m. on December 31, through 2 a.m. January 1, which gives you no excuse.
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If you plan on using Uber or Lyft to get around, the Los Angeles Times suggests ordering the ride early or late.
Several street closures around the city will add to traffic woes, as will tonight’s rain. According to the L.A. Department of Transportation, regular Saturday parking restrictions will be enforced through tonight. However, the holiday enforcement schedule will offer reprieve on Sunday and Monday.
Stay safe out there, tonight. And have a very happy 2017.
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