Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In Kosciusko County, at least eight fatal traffic accidents in 1998 were alcohol-related.
The lives of 12 people were claimed in those accidents. Several other people were injured.
On New Year's Eve, the danger of drinking and driving increases. Adults may celebrate the holiday with good cheer and a bottle of beer, but without a designated driver, the results can be deadly.
Mothers Against Drinking and Driving estimated there were 420 traffic fatalities from 6 p.m. Dec. 29, 1995, to 5:59 a.m. Jan. 2, 1996, nationwide. Of those 52.3 percent, or 220 total fatalities, were alcohol-related.
"I would beg them not to get behind the wheel. Call a cab, call a friend," said Betsy Spiegel, local MADD coordinator.
MADD is a local organization created this year in Kosciusko County after alcohol-related traffic fatalities began to rise. Spiegel said she hopes people would take notice of the problem and decide not to drink and drive.
"It's just so common. I would hope that all these fatalities would be a signal to people," she said.
Sheriff Al Rovenstine said, "Well, we hope they have a designated driver. We hope they drive cautiously."
Rovenstine said the weather conditions are not expected to be great tonight and drivers should be extra cautious.
"Be very careful. Be prepared when you go out," he said.
As for New Year's Eve, Rovenstine said they never know what to expect in the county.
"We never know. We've had bad New Year's Eves and we've had years when no one got arrested," he said.
In the last few years, he said people have become more cautious in their driving on New Year's Eve. If a person does get into a situation where they are intoxicated and need transportation, Rovenstine said the police and sheriff's department are more than happy to assist.
"We'll help anyone who calls. We'd rather help them than see them involved in an accident," he said.
Fast Cab, of Warsaw, will again help people celebrating the holiday with its annual "Save A Life" program. Fast Cab, with sponsorship from local Warsaw businesses, taverns and clubs, will offer free rides to patrons to their destination and home again, between 7 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday. The rides are free within Warsaw city limits and available at a discounted fare of $1 per mile for those outside of town.
Reservations for rides are encouraged and can be made by calling 269-2222.
MADD meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Bowen Center.
"We would love to have people participate," Spiegel said.
