Monday, May 6, 2024
With the New Year around the corner, many are planning and prepping for the exciting celebration. It is important to note this holiday is actually one of the most dangerous with both drinking-and-driving accidents and firework-related injuries.
DRIVING
The National Safety Council estimates 375 people may die on United States roadways this New Year’s holiday. This estimate is down by 8% from the 408 deaths estimated for the 2023 holiday.
Last year, Texas saw 48,641 traffic crashes during the holiday season resulting in 433 fatalities and 1,695 injuries. Almost a quarter of those deaths involved alcohol-impaired drivers, with 98 people killed and 236 seriously injured.
“With everything going on in the world these past few years, we want everyone to be able to celebrate this joyous time of year without the tragic consequences of drinking and driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams in a press release. “Get together with family and friends and have a great time, but please find an alternative way home if you choose to drink. You have many options available.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes it is important to plan ahead for how to get home safely and to stick to the plan. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. As the year comes to a close and a new one begins, make it a point to drive sober every day.
“Through the holidays people like to drink but then they drive. Deputies are out 24/7 taking calls but keeping people safe on the road they will stop any vehicle that is showing signs of driving under the influence,” Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds said. “For everyone else, be aware of your surroundings and try to stay clear of those driving erratically on the roadways. Call in drivers like that to dispatch by calling 911 if you feel something bad is about to happen so law enforcement can be dispatched. To report a suspicious driver or situation call the non-emergency phone number 817-579-3307 and press option 2.”
FIREWORKS
Many celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, but it is important to know how to stay safe and smart. Adults 25 to 44 years of age experienced the most fireworks-related injuries, and children younger than 15 years of age accounted for a majority of injuries as well. The parts of the body most often injured by fireworks are hands and fingers along with head, face and ears, legs and eyes. Burns are the most frequently reported type of injury.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission safety tips for firework usage include never allowing children to play with fireworks including sparklers, keeping a bucket of water or water hose close by in case of any mishaps, lighting fireworks one at a time and moving back quickly to a safe distance from the firework, never trying to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully, and never using fireworks while impaired by alcohol.
It is important to keep in mind that fireworks can cause PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) for many veterans. The National Center for PTSD shared some tips for veterans to prepare for the upcoming holiday. Some of these tips include talking with someone about the concerns around fireworks, journaling, working on breathing techniques and limiting alcohol intake. The center also recommends that veterans consider wearing earplugs or headphones to tune out the sound.
“Citations can be given if (fireworks) are being shot at people, homes or across roadways. Get permission wherever you want to shoot fireworks off,” Deeds said. “Be aware that the City of Granbury and some subdivisions in the county do not allow fireworks. Law enforcement cannot enforce HOA bylaws — only criminal laws — but be careful you don’t cross that line.”
However you celebrate the New Year, be sure to stay safe and aware of alcohol intake, roadway and firework safety.
