APD offers tips on how to be safe during New Year's Eve festivities

AUSTIN, Texas - As partygoers get ready to ring in a new decade, the Austin Police Department is asking everyone to be safe during New Year's Eve festivities.

Police are giving tips on how to be safe downtown, including staying in a group, letting someone know about your plans, and have a plan to get home.

A lot of pedestrians are expected near the entertainment districts, so APD advises to stay on the sidewalks and in the crosswalks downtown.

"The main message we want to get across is we want people to have fun, but be safe at the same time. So what that includes first and foremost, is be aware of your surroundings when you're out downtown," APD Sgt. Chris Gwaldo said.

Anyone who plans on calling a taxi or rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft should double-check the driver and vehicle information on the app to make sure they're hopping in the correct vehicle.