Keep it safe on New Year's Eve: Minister

30/12/2000

Enjoy the New Year celebrations, party hard and have fun but do it safely - look after those you love.
Remember that police, fire and emergency services and ambulance officers will be working on New Year's Eve to look after the rest of us while we celebrate - look after them too, don't make their job any harder than it already is.
Remember the vital importance of all those in our community who work as volunteers in the areas of fire and search and rescue - this New Year's Eve, volunteer to look after yourself and your mates.
This was the message from Police and Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince today, when he met with a group of police officers, ambulance officers and members of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority on the Esplanade lawns in Perth.
Mr Prince said it was important for people to value the work of those whose job it was to ensure public safety was maintained.
"The jobs they have chosen to do, and do with a passionate commitment, are ones of service to their community," he said.
"This means they have taken on jobs which, while very rewarding, can also number among the most difficult, demanding, exhausting, infuriating and dangerous careers on offer.
"I would like to think people will take care not to turn a happy occasion into one of terrible memories, not only for themselves and those they love, but for those whose job it will be to clean up the mess and pick up the pieces."
Mr Prince said that the family and friends of 212 people were grieving the loss of someone they loved on Western Australian roads this year.
"Between December 31, 1999 and January 1, 2000, fire services attended five major road crashes and a staggering 308 fires," he said.
"This year's fire season is already off to a terrible beginning, with serious fires in and around the metropolitan area and a devastating 18 fires in 36 hours in the area from Mt Barker to Albany and along the south coast.
"While some of these were through natural causes, a number were not."
Mr Prince said celebrating safely did not mean staying at home.
"I would encourage people to be outside in public venues on New Year's Eve - there is plenty to do and see all over WA," he said.
"This includes the inaugural celebrations at the newly opened Swan Bells in Barrack Square.
"People will also go to Dunsborough, Kings Park, Kalbarri, Cottesloe Beach, Rottnest, Margaret River or any other New Year's venue they have planned including thousands of private parties or those at clubs and hotels.

"There are a few simple ways of ensuring this New Year break is a safe and happy occasion for us all:

• Don't drink and drive - choose a skipper, take a cab or stay overnight.
• Drink safely - space drinks with non-alcoholic beverages or water, eat a meal before drinking or at least eat while drinking.
• Allow plenty of time to make a journey without being rushed and tempted to speed.
• Don't drive tired - rest.
• Don't drive for a long time without a break, get out of the car, eat a snack, walk around, take advantage of the free coffee for driver offers.
• Use designated camping areas and facilities - don't simply park and light a fire; and -
• Do not swim at beaches unattended by lifeguards or leave children unattended by an adult near any body of water.

"These are simple things that help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone, including those on duty or on call, have a safe and happy New Year."
Media contact: Caroline Lacy on 9220 5000