Patrolling the streets and looking for drunk drivers will not be the only duties local law enforcement agencies will be doing this New Year’s Eve.
They will also be running a taxi service for people of Barton County during the holiday.
“We encourage people not to drink and drive and to use this service,” Great Bend Chief of Police Cliff Couch said.
For a $5 donation to the DARE program, from 10 p.m. Thursday until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, The Great Bend Police officers will pick you up and take you home in an SUV donated by Doonan GMC. The phones that are being used for the service are provided by Nex-Tech Wireless.
People needing a ride home can call 639-TAXI (8294) anywhere in Barton County.
Over the years, the officers have made many trips to parties in the county and to communities throughout Barton County.
The New Year’s Taxi has been a Barton County tradition for many years.
Driving under the influence
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to drinking and driving during New Year’s Eve.
The cost of fines and jail time are very costly for a DUI.
Your first offense is a Minimum of 48 hours in jail, $500 to $1000 in fines and a 30 day suspension of your licence. Second offense is 90 days up to one year in jail, $1000 to $1500 in fines and a one year suspension of your licence. Third offense is 90 days up to one year in jail, $1500 to $2500 in fines and one year suspension of your licence. The forth offense is 180 days up to a year in jail, $2500 minimum in fines and a one year suspension of your licence.