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Guns, Fireworks, DWI Cause Many NYE Injuries


As the New Year’s Eve celebrations begin, Central Texas emergency rooms are preparing for a high volume of injuries.

Dr. Todd Nash, the medical director at Seton, knows how busy it gets on the holiday.

“Much more frequently we see cuts, sprains, injuries, falls,” Nash said.

He sees others hurt by fireworks. “Hand injuries, blast injuries, maybe eye injuries.”

And when the parties let out, alcohol related injuries go up, too. Nash recalls one incident a few years ago, “Two groups of men were in a bar fight and ended up in the Seton Northwest ER with facial lacerations and contusions. They all reeked of alcohol and had to deal with the consequences.”

The Austin Police Department says those consequences could mean fines or even jail time.

A big concern is driving while intoxicated. Over the weekend APD issued 72 DWI’s.

Not only that, Senior Police Officer Vaneza Bremner says they worry about people shooting off guns to ring in the New Year.

“It's not only illegal; it's very dangerous because those bullets that go up have to come down. People could get hit, seriously injured or killed,” Bremner said.

If someone is killed a person could face manslaughter charges.

Both officers and doctors hope everyone is safe this year and make the right decisions come 2013.

APD and DPS will continue their no refusal policy throughout the night. If you need a sober ride, AAA will be giving free tipsy tow rides from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Austin Capital Metro will be running free routes as well starting at 6 p.m.

By Christie Post