The beginning of a new year usually brings parties with friends and gatherings with family, but the festivities can turn tragic, if basic safety precautions are thrown to the wind. More people mean more opportunities for falling bullets to strike victims even several miles away. Bullets fired into the air pick up speed as they fall, and people in cities nationwide have been killed or seriously injured in such incidents.
Cases involving property damage or serious injury carry heavier penalties.
If hosting a party, don t let your guests drive after drinking excessively. If a guest, choose someone to drive home who agrees to stay sober. And leave the fireworks shows to the professionals to avoid serious burns and other injury. After the party, check for fire hazards Cigarettes can be carelessly dropped beneath furniture or between upholstery cushions. Tobacco butts can smolder for hours before setting off smoke-detector alarms.