HAMPTON ROADS — Free or reduced Lyft ride-shares are being offered once again to alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads on New Year’s Eve.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR), a nonprofit regional coalition whose mission is to improve highway safety and reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes, is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride from 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, until 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
During the twelve-hour period, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones and enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option) to receive no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home, according to DSHR.
“It is critical that anyone heading out to a bar or party to plan for a sober driver to see them home safely,” said Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson. “If you have a holiday gathering on your calendar, make smart choices and plan out how you’re going to get home safely once the celebration ends. We want drivers to take this night seriously. Driving drunk is deadly, and no one should ever take that risk.”
DSHR said its New Year’s Eve 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, at DriveSafeHR.org/757-
During the 2021 New Year’s holiday period, 40% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver, likely when bars are closing and people are driving home, according to Traffic Safety Marketing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration communication resource for states, partner organizations, and highway safety professionals.
Keri Douglas, President, Drive Safe Hampton Roads recommends, “If you are the designated driver, commit to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. Doing so could save your life, your passengers, and others on the road. And, if you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take away their keys and help them make arrangements to get them home safely — it will be the greatest gift you ever give them. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday and new year!”
Sponsors of DSHR’s 2023-24 757 Sober Ride campaign include the Christopher King Foundation and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.