Groups aim to keep people safe over New Year's

A total of 229 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in Montana last year, according to the 2013 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alcohol-impaired driving data released this month,

With 2015 quickly approaching, some local services and establishments will band together to help ensure people stay safe during New Year’s celebrations.

Taverns have teamed up with the Hill County DUI Task Force and Havre’s Town Taxi to provide coupons for rides home from local taverns, the Hi-Line Tavern Association is continuing to support designated drivers and Havre Ford is continuing its sponsorship of free rides for people celebrating over New Year’s.

During the course of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day between 5:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., Havre Ford will provide free rides for people who have been drinking. People can call 265-1700 for a free ride home from bars and establishments across Havre. Additionally, people can be picked up at their homes and taken to local establishments through this service.

Bryant Wolf, 16, is the son of Bobby Wolf, a salesman at Havre Ford. He will act as a ride-along for this service.

Bryant said there will be three Ford trucks as well as one backup vehicle.

“Our backup car goes to Blackie’s,” he said.

Bryant also said Havre Ford transportation workers will be wearing mint green sweatshirts that say “Havre Ford” on them and that his group will be driving Ford Expeditions this year.

Tom Farnham, manager of the Eagles Club and president of the Hi-Line Tavern Association, said the association provides cards, that later are used in a raffle drawing, for those who wish to be designated drivers. These cards are available all year long.

“They fill out a card, and then they make sure that (the people they are with) get a ride home safely,” he said. “At our monthly meetings we draw for two $50 winners.”

Farnham’s facility also collaborates with Town Taxi.

Farnham said that the bars provide taxi coupons and if a person needs assistance, they can get a ride home for free.

“We just want to make sure (people) get home safe,” he said.

Daniel Monk, president of Town Taxi, said that these “home-free” coupons are to discourage drinking and driving.

Monk said the person who has a coupon can be driven home free-of-charge and that any additional people would cost $1 more.

“Let’s say there’s a couple and they want to do the same thing, well then it’s just an extra dollar for an extra person,” he said.

Monk said this discounted service is not just available on major holidays.

“It’s all about the safety of the people,” he said. “It runs all year round, too.”

Monk said the service with Town Taxi will be available now until “everybody is home.”

Monk also said this service will only be available in the Havre area, and if anyone would like a ride out of Havre they would start being charged once they leave the city limit. “Hopefully, by getting the home-free card from the bar, they’ll see that it is just so much safer to get a ride home with us,” he said.