Mason County celebrated New Year’s Eve safely this year.

Mason County celebrated New Year’s Eve safely this year. 

LUDINGTON — The 2017 Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign transported 1,257 people to and from their destinations on New Year’s Eve, according to Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett. “This New Year’s Eve celebration was a safe and enjoyable one,” Barnett said. “This success was due to the combined efforts of Abrahamson’s Towing, Quinn’s Tires and Tows, Oceana Auto, Fier’s Towing and Recovery and the Ludington Mass Transit Authority.” Of the people transported, nine had their vehicles towed free of charge.

Barnett said there were no reported traffic crashes involving injuries and only three crashes total. There were no arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and only one other arrest involving alcohol. In addition, there were no assault arrests or other warrant arrests; six traffic citations were issued.

Additional partners in the campaign included Mother’s Against Drunk Driving of Mason County, SADD, Ludington Beverage Co., Inc., several other businesses, and Mason County law enforcement.

“This year’s New Year’s Eve was a great success due to a couple factors,” Barnett said. “First, people made the wise decision to have a designated driver or to take advantage of three free transportation. Second, all Mason County law enforcement agencies provided enhanced efforts to discourage occurrences of intoxicated driving.”