The City of Mesquite is urging residents to welcome in the New Year by celebrating safely.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is costly in many ways. Besides causing injuries and loss of life, DWI can result in thousands of dollars in fines, possible jail time and driver's licenses being revoked.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 1,090 people were killed in 2023 on Texas roads because of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That's 25 percent of deaths in Texas traffic accidents.

Public safety officials also remind residents that it is illegal to possess or use fireworks in the City of Mesquite, and it is illegal to discharge firearms into the air, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.

To keep Mesquite roads safe this New Year's Eve, the Mesquite Police Department will be out in force, adding extra personnel and patrols to enforce DWI laws.

The Mesquite Police and Fire Departments will deploy specialized teams on New Year's Eve to enforce laws against the illegal use of fireworks and celebratory gunfire.

Citizens can report fireworks violations by:

For gunfire or suspected DWI activity, please call 911. To report an offense, an address must be given for enforcement. Due to the volume of calls received, response times will vary.

For more information, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/CelebrateSafely.