We attended a big New Year’s Eve party at the Century Center. People said goodbye to 2018 and hello 2019.
Police say it’s okay to have a few drinks, but they just don’t want you driving afterwards.
The booze and the beer is flowing at O’Rourke’s Public House at Eddy Street Commons in South Bend.
Hundreds spent New year’s Eve in South Bend for the NHL Winter Classic between the Bruins and the Blackhawks — and this rivalry runs deep.
These fans are sworn enemies, but there is one thing they can agree on.
“Never drive drunk, never, there’s no reason.”
“Don’t drive, don’t drink and drive for sure, don’t do that.”
It happens every year, and police are cracking down.
Agencies throughout St. Joseph County and the Michiana area have had extra officers on hand looking for impaired and dangerous drivers.
“Bottom line is if we catch you, if you’re driving impaired, you’re going to go to jail,” said Lt. Williams, Mishawaka police.
Last year during the new year holiday, the St. Joseph County Traffic Safety Partnership reported 10 DUI arrests and NO fatal or alcohol-related crashes.
They are hoping to keep those numbers the same.
“Victims that you leave behind are your family and friends, because if you’re the one that died in that crash we’re going to notify them that you died and the reason why you died,” said Williams.
And if you head out and have a drink or two the Bruins and Blackhawks fans have a suggestion for how to get home.
“Uber, absolutely Uber,” said one fan.
Services like Uber and Lyft say they have tried to put extra drivers on the road because tonight is so busy.
Police also suggest taxis or relatives just to make sure that everyone gets home safe and sound.