Published: December 29, 2007 10:24 pm      

Think if you plan to drink New Year’s Eve

Police will be looking for drunken drivers on New Year’s Eve

Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert isn’t looking forward to seeing a rash of new inmates on New Year’s Day.

“It’s not like a New Year’s baby. We’re not glad to see you arrive,” he said. “Unfortunately, there’s always a first person, and it’s usually a drunk driver.”

Talbert sends a warning to would-be drunken drivers: There will be numerous officers looking for you.

They won’t be the only ones on your tail either.

Indiana State Police will also have extra patrols on the lookout for impaired drivers.

“We are going to aggressively seek out and arrest impaired drivers,” said Captain Ed Schroder, ISP commander.

Law enforcement officials stress there’s good reason for the stepped-up enforcement and let statistics serve as proof.

During last year’s holiday season, 27 people were killed on Indiana roadways, ISP stats show. Six of those fatal crashes were alcohol-related. Every 31 minutes someone in the U.S. is killed in an alcohol-related crash.

But there’s some good news: It seems all the extra patrols are doing some good.

“There’s a decline in the number of drunk-driving arrests and decline in number of accidents,” Talbert said.

He credits the extra patrols and use of public transportation for the decline.

“The public recognizes a large number of police out and if they drive drunk, they’re going to get caught.”

He said people should have a designated driver assigned in advance or call for a cab.

After all, he said, a cab ride is much cheaper than a DUI conviction.

“Most of them will have extra drivers for the holiday. They’ll get you home safely,” Talbert said.

William Hockersmith, owner of Kokomo’s B&E Cabs, will be making constant runs Dec. 31.

“There was one year I took 250 calls on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

He owns a very small agency, but he’s willing to pick up seven to eight people at a time. The ride can cost around $6 inside Kokomo and more per mile.

Hockersmith said some New Year’s Eve clients are highly intoxicated.

“Some of them have to be carried,” he said.

Michelle Tharp, vice president of Rhino Taxi Service, can share many of the same stories. As a result, the taxi service will have extra drivers available.

For those in the First City rider program, rates begin at $4.50. Others start with $7.50. Rates fluctuate depending on the distance traveled.

“Take a cab. I wouldn’t drink and drive,” Tharp said.



Have a safe New Year:

Indiana State Police offer the following tips for safely hosting a New Year’s Eve party:

• Be a responsible host. Serve food and always have non-alcoholic drinks available.

• Ask guests to appoint a designated driver if they consume alcoholic beverages.

• Stop serving alcohol 90 minutes before the party ends. Remember, only time sobers an intoxicated person.

If traveling during the holiday, follow these safety tips:

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Never ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking – call a cab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

• If you see erratic operation of a vehicle that indicates the driver may be intoxicated or otherwise impaired, notify police immediately with the vehicle description, plate number and direction of travel.

• Make sure everyone is buckled up and obey all traffic laws.



Get a cab:

Kokomo

Call B&E Cabs: (765) 459-9999

Rhino Taxi Service: (765) 452-9881

Miami County

From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31, call YMiamiGo at (765) 472-6028 or (765) 472-1979. Donations are accepted.