Over 1,300 revelers receive free New Year’s Eve rides.

Over 1,300 revelers receive free New Year’s Eve rides.

LUDINGTON — Over 1,300 people took advantage of the free 2018 Drive Safe, Drive Sober campaign on New Year’s Eve, according to Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett. Barnett said 1,318 people road Ludington Mass Transit Authority buses while 14 people had their vehicles towed. The program offered free rides in a radius from Ludington to Scottville and between north to Hansen Road and south to Conrad Road.

“Despite the local weather conditions this New Year’s Eve was a great success,” Barnett said. “Most people wisely chose to use the free transportation option or had a designated driver.  This coupled with Mason County law enforcement agencies enhancing efforts to discourage intoxicated driving translated into a safer holiday.”

Barnett said county law enforcement officers responded to 18 traffic crashes on New Year’s Eve, mostly due to the weather. There were no injuries reported at any of the evening crashes.

Law enforcement made three arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and only one other alcohol-related arrest. Eight traffic citations were issued throughout the county.

“Thanks to the combined efforts and resources of Abrahamson’s Towing, Quinn’s Towing, Fiers Towing & Recovery, Oceana Auto, Ludington Mass Transportation Authority, Judy’s Rides, Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Mason County, SADD, Ludington Beverage Co. Inc., several Ludington-Mason County area businesses, and Mason County law enforcement, the 2018 New Year’s Eve was another safe and enjoyable holiday,” Barnett said.

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