HAMPTON ROADS — Drive Safe Hampton Roads is once again offering 757 Sober Rides for those celebrating the July Fourth holiday.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) notes that five days of Independence Day celebrations last year resulted in 122 alcohol-related crashes, 80 injuries and seven deaths, with four of those who died being young adults between the ages of 21 and 25.
It added that the seven deaths represent 28% of the fatalities in July.
DSHR warns that a sober driver is one who hasn’t ingested any alcohol or substances, adding those who plan to use alcohol should never drive while impaired — and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment.
Those who need to arrange a sober ride home are encouraged to use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride powered by Lyft for the July 4th holiday weekend from 10 p.m., Wednesday, July 3 through to 3 a.m., Friday, July 5.
Area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones, and during this period enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. The code will only work during the above-stated timeframes for rides originating from or having a destination within Hampton Roads.
DSHR said its July Fourth Independence Holiday Weekend 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 10 p.m. Wednesday at DriveSafeHR.org/757-
“Impaired driving can take away your freedom or someone else’s freedom to celebrate Independence day with family and friends. Celebrate responsively by choosing 757 Sober Ride or allow a designated sober driver to get you home safely without any incidences,” said Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson.
Supporters of the 2024 757 Sober Ride campaign include Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, the Christopher King Foundation, and the Virginia DMV.
