SHERIFF
ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO HAVE
A
SAFE AND SOBER NEW YEAR
"As the New Year approaches, we are reminded that a successful New Year's Eve celebration begins with careful planning which includes using designated drivers and not indiscriminately firing guns into the air," said Sheriff Lee Baca.
Sheriff Baca encourages the residents of Los Angeles County to celebrate the New Year without endangering themselves, their loved ones, or others by using firearms and/or alcohol in an irresponsible manner.
The critical importance of avoiding gunfire to celebrate the New Year cannot be overstated. Many times, individuals involved in celebrating New Year's Eve with gunfire do not realize the dangers posed by their actions. When a bullet is fired into the air, the bullet will climb two miles remain in flight for more than a minute, and ultimately fall back to the earth with enough velocity to injure or kill someone.
The Sheriff's Department's "Operation - Don't Shoot" program strives to educate the public on the dangers of discharging firearms into the air. Posters and warning fliers, printed in both English and Spanish, have been distributed in highly visible locations throughout Los Angeles County, to make residents aware of the dangers associated with shooting firearms into the air. On December 30, 2002, Sheriff Baca will unite with Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton for a press conference at the Los Angeles Police Academy to highlight the joint efforts of both Departments to curtail this indiscriminate celebratory gunfire.
Alcohol-related traffic collisions and deaths can be significantly reduced with the use of a designated driver. A designated driver is a guest who agrees not to drink any alcoholic beverages so that he or she can safely drive others home after they have consumed alcohol. Some communities offer free taxi service for those who have had too much to drink. A host should make safe transportation a primary consideration when planning a New Year's Eve celebration. Law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County will be increasing patrols in an effort to reduce drunk driving related incidents.
"By exercising moderation when consuming alcohol and common sense with firearms, we can all safely celebrate the coming of the New Year," stated Sheriff Baca.
SHB-98A-02
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December 18, 2002