Police are reminding the community to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – The countdown to New Year’s Eve is on across the Midstate.

Local businesses are already preparing for the midnight rush. Decades in Lancaster is hosting its first-ever New Year’s Eve party featuring arcade games, bowling and more.

“It’s definitely going to be a good time. Champagne toast turns out great. Everyone gets excited when the ball falls. We’ll have that on our TVs and it’s downtown so there’s a lot of places to go. That’s definitely going to be a good spot when the ball comes down,” said Zach Fortunato, assistant manager at Decades Lancaster.

So when you are out and about the Lancaster City Bureau of Police want you to do so safely.

“Either get a Lyft, Uber, or some sort of rideshare or carpool. Date someone who’s willing to stay sober overnight,” said Lieutenant Glenn Stoltzfus of the Lancaster Bureau of Police.

Lieutenant Stoltzfus says law enforcement will be on the streets stepping up patrols. He says even if you’re sober, remember that others might not be.

“If you see someone drifting across the center line, or making an awkward turn, or just looking distracted, our simple advice is to slow down. Don’t try to overtake them or increase your own speed to go around them,” Stoltzfus said.

Stoltzfus says planning ahead can make all the difference.

“Maybe not going out that long can help you avoid being stuck outside a bar at 2am and there’s no one available to pick you up and you have a decision to make, but definitely if you’re drinking, do it don’t drive it,” added Stoltzfus.