Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign successful

LUDINGTON — The 2013 New Year’s Eve Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign is being declared another succes.

“This success was due to the combined efforts of Abrahamson’s Towing, Quinn’s Tires & Tows, Oceana Auto and the Ludington Mass Transportation Authority,” said Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett. Additional contributions came from Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Mason County, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Ludington Beverage Co. Inc., area businesses and local law enforcement.

A total of 1,269 individuals were transported to and from their holiday destinations, rather than driving themselves this year, and 14 of those individuals had their vehicles towed free of charge.

There was only one reported traffic crash involving injury and only two property damage crashes reported during this year’s celebration.  None of these crashes involved the use of alcohol.

Mason County law enforcement agencies’ activity reveals three arrests for operating while intoxicated, 11 other arrests involving alcohol, three assault arrests and six other warrant arrests were made.  A total of 14 traffic citations were issued.

With approximately 8,000 celebrants coming to downtown Ludington for the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and many more traveling to and from other celebrations it is amazing that there were no injuries due to the use of alcohol,” Barnett said. “Law enforcement officials in Mason County are absolutely convinced that when we work together it can dramatically impact public safety.”