Police, free rides, out to increase New Year celebration safety

The Havre Police Department and local businesses and organizations are working to insure community members are safe during holidays, working to prevent people from putting themselves or others at risk by driving while intoxicated while celebrating the start of the new year.

Police will be out with increased patrols and the Sober and Safe campaign offers free rides during New Year's Eve celebrations.

Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said the police department will be increasing patrols and will be having additional officers out during New Year's Eve. He added that the people of Havre may have already begun to notice an increase in police presence since the start of the winter holiday season.

He said officers will be patrolling at different times and will not be setting up a DUI checkpoint. Officers and patrol vehicles will be covering a wide range of areas rather than concentrating officers in one particular area.

"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" increased patrols are done to encourage people to plan ahead and either arrange a designated driver or arrange a safe way for them to get home, Matosich said.

"If you are going to plan of going out and partying and celebrating the New Year's, designate a ride ahead of time," he said.

He added that Havre Ford will also be offering free transportation for people during New Year's to help peple who are celebrating get home and get around safely.

"It works pretty well," he said. 

Havre Ford will be giving free rides on New Year's Eve as part of the Sober and Safe program and to encourage people to celebrate the New Year's safely. Havre Ford has been providing this service on New Year's Eve for more than two decades in a partnership with Hill County DUI Task Force, Hi-Line Tavern Association and the Havre Encourages Long Range Prevention Committee.

Triangle Communications donates use of cellphones for drivers in the service.

Havre Ford General Manager Charlie Steinmetz said their drivers can pick people up at their homes and take them to the bars and take them back home. Rides will be available Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

"Wherever they need to go in town, we are just wanting to keep people safe and sober for the holidays and off the streets," Steinmetz said.

The Safe and Sober program has been going on for the past 20 to 25 years, he said, adding that it is a nice way for Havre Ford to give back to the community while also encouraging people not to drive while they are intoxicated.

"I think it's been very successful," he said.

The goal of the Sober and Safe campaign is to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities, number of driving under the influence arrests and remove impaired drivers from dangerous situations during the night.

To request a free pick-up or a ride home, people can call 265-1700 New Year's Eve. The ride service is limited to Havre.