ANCHORAGE, Alaska — First responders expect a busy New Year's Eve. More drunk drivers are predicted to be on the streets, add to that concerns that many could be injured by fireworks.
Captain Kevin Wallace of Anchorage Fire Station 10 expects it to be a busy night.
"In 2008 which is our last statistics that we know the united states there were about 7 thousand emergency room visits from fire work related injuries."
Thirty-two percent were from small fireworks and guess who gets hurt the most? "Teens are one of the major players in these injuries then the other group is age 5 to 9."
For the Anchorage Police Deptartment, people drinking too much is the biggest concern. Officers expect to arrest twice as many drunk drivers as a normal night.
"We do have extra patrol out on the street primarily focused on drunk drivers so that's just another reason to drink responsibly and not drive" says Apd Spokesperson Annita Shell.
But if you drink and need a ride, Shell recommends asking a bartender to use the “Off The Road” program.
