(WXYZ) — New Year's Eve is Thursday, and the age-old tradition of firing into the air as the clock strikes midnight comes with many dangers.
Lt. Mike Shaw with the Michigan State Police Department stops by 7 UpFront to discuss alternatives to gunfire, and safety mesaures for ringing in 2021.
"You've got to remember, when you go outside there's really no reason to fire any type of gun into the air," Lt. Shaw said. "Once that bullet leaves you never know where it's going to end up."
He added that there are a ton of other options, like banging pans, going outside and "yelling at 2020," but urges people to leave the gun in the home.
Even amid the pandemic, Shaw said it's his hope that residents opt to stay home this New Year's Eve, but understands that likely won't happen. So he's telling people to be safe and remember not to drink and drive. So far in December, MSP Metro North and South Posts have already arrested a total of 70 drunk drivers in December alone.
Shaw adds that the repercussions are never worth it.
