Spending New Years at the Lake? Keep these safety precautions in mind
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 12/29/2023 - 7:59pm
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is working diligently to ensure that safety is the top priority this New Year’s Eve. They would like to share the following information and safety reminders with the public so that everyone can ring in the new year in a safe and fun manner:
Travel Precautions - A high volume of attendees is anticipated for New Year’s Eve events in the Stateline/South Lake Tahoe casino corridor. Expect delays along U.S. Highway 50 due to increased pedestrians. The speed limit of 25 mph within the casino corridor will be strictly enforced. Plan ahead to allow for possible delays and remember drinking and driving is never acceptable.
Weather - Throughout the county, travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions including having adequate cold weather gear, snow tires, and chains or cables. For road reports and current conditions, check nvroads.com, tune in to AM radio 1610, or check online at weather.gov. Drivers going into California should check quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Law Enforcement Presence - DCSO, along with numerous collaborative law enforcement agencies including the Nevada State Police, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol, will be providing support throughout the holiday weekend. Other supporting agencies include the Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Douglas County Communications Center, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department, Cal-Trans, and Nevada Department of Transportation.
Public Safety - The goal of the Sheriff’s Office is to protect life and property while ensuring safety for the public and law enforcement officers. While celebrating the New Year, we remind the public of behaviors that will not be tolerated by law enforcement including acts of excessive rowdiness, fighting, throwing projectiles, vandalism, theft, narcotic violations, severe public drunkenness, possession of or discharge of fireworks, minors consuming or possessing alcohol, or any other act that disrupts the goal of achieving a safe environment for all.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Precautions - Law enforcement agencies ask that the public exercise responsibility when drinking. The public in the Stateline area from Dec. 31, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024, are prohibited from using glass or metal containers, regardless of contents, in the casino area. Any containers, and their contents, will be confiscated for destruction by law enforcement. Alcohol or other liquids should be in plastic or paper containers. South Shore casinos will serve alcoholic beverages in plastic cups.
Pedestrian Safety - The public is reminded to exercise caution when walking around Stateline and South Lake Tahoe, especially when crossing streets. Law enforcement will be on high alert and make every effort to keep roads safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Remain on sidewalks, only cross at designed crosswalks, and limit drinking.
Youth and Child Safety - Due to the high congestion of people, parents must be mindful of their children’s whereabouts and activities, especially during the New Year’s Eve celebration. The casino core is not intended for participation by minors. Douglas County curfew for minors under the age of 18 is midnight Friday, December 31, 2023, and individuals are subject to citation for violating this ordinance. Persons under the age of 21 who are in possession of alcohol, or have consumed or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, will be subject to arrest.
Be Responsible - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to be prepared and responsible during the holiday celebrations. Law enforcement will be out in full force on New Year’s Eve looking for impaired drivers. Be responsible and maintain safe alternatives to driving including designating a sober driver, taking a cab, or use a ride-share app. If you see a drunk driver call 9-1-1.
