Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign saw 37% increase this year

The number of people in Mason County choosing to get rides instead of driving on New Year’s Eve increased by 37% this year, thanks to the 2012 Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign.

Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett said the campaign was a great success again this year making the New Year’s Eve celebrations safe and enjoyable.

“This success was due to the combined efforts of Abrahamson’s Towing, Quinn’s Tires & Tows, Oceana Auto and the Ludington Mass Transportation Authority,” Barnett said in a press release.

A total of 1,355 individuals were transported to and from their holiday destinations, rather than driving themselves this year. Three of those individuals had their vehicles towed free of charge.

There were no reported traffic crashes involving injuries of any kind! A total of six property damage crashes were reported during this year’s celebration.

A review of Mason County Law Enforcement Agencies’ activity reveals that one arrest for operating while intoxicated, four other arrests involving alcohol, three assault arrests and four other warrant arrests were made. A total of 23 traffic citations were issued.

“Thanks to the combined efforts and resources of Abrahamson’s Towing, Quinn’s Tires & Tows, Oceana Auto, Ludington Mass Transportation Authority, Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Mason County, SADD, Ludington Beverage Co. Inc., several Ludington-Mason County area businesses, and Mason County Law Enforcement, the 2012 New Year’s Eve was another safe and enjoyable Holiday,” Barnett said.

“Citizens of, and visitors to, Mason County planned ahead in a big way this New Year’s Eve. The number of people choosing to ride rather than drive increased by 37%. Mason County law enforcement is absolutely convinced that when we work together it can dramatically impact public safety.”