Are you hosting or attending a New Year's Eve party? Following a few simple guidelines could prevent a tragedy:
• Plan ahead by naming a "designated driver." Make this your responsibility. Remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• Contact a local cab company to provide rides for you and/or your guests.
• Caltrain will offer free rides after 11p.m. to encourage partygoers to use the train as their designated driver. They will be adding four extra post-midnight, southbound trains to its regular holiday schedule. Visit www.caltrain.com for more information.
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option.
• Make sure you have plenty of food on hand.
• Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
• Provide your guests with a place to stay overnight in your home.
• Take the keys from someone if you think he/she is too impaired to drive.
• Staying inside at midnight to celebrate with friends and family is always the safest place to be.
• DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.
*Remember that celebrating the New Year by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal, it can hurt or kill people.
• All fireworks (even those deemed safe and sane) are illegal in Redwood City.
• Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.
If you are the designated driver:
- Be a defensive driver.
- Keep distractions (cell phones, food, and drunk friends) to a minimum.
- Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing a seat belt.
- Find a safe location and call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver on the road.
All of us at the Redwood City Police Department would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe New Years!
