HAMPTON ROADS — Drive Safe Hampton Roads will offer free or reduced-cost Lyft sober rides to alcohol/drug-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the nation’s most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. But, between 2018 and 2022, 290 lives were lost nationally in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, defined as 6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m., March 18), according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics.
According to the Virginia DMV, during the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, there were 1,185 crashes, with 13 fatalities and 607 injuries in the commonwealth. Of those, 87 were alcohol-related with 6 fatalities and 53 injuries.
To address those concerns, Drive Safe Hampton Roads is sponsoring a 757 Sober Ride campaign for the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day weekend. There will be two sessions: The first on “Parade Saturday” from noon on March 15 until 3 a.m. Sunday, March 16. Session two will run on St. Patrick’s Day Monday, March 17 from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 18.
“It is critical that anyone heading out to a bar, the St. Paddy’s Day parade or a party, plan for a sober driver to get home safely. Planning ahead is a smart choice,” said Bob Clinebell, president of Drive Safe Hampton Roads. “Plan for a sober ride before you reach the pint of no return! Driving drunk is deadly, and no one should ever take that risk.”
During the campaign, individuals 21 years and older and celebrating with alcohol or drugs may download the Lyft app to their cell phones and enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe ride home. The code will only work if used during the above-stated periods for rides originating in or having a destination within Hampton Roads.
DSHR’s St. Patrick’s Day 757 Sober Ride promo codes will be posted at noon on Saturday, March 15 and at 8 p.m. on Monday, March 17 at DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride. The offer is valid while supplies last and subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.
“If you are a designated driver, commit to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe. If you see an impaired driver on the road, report it to law enforcement immediately. Doing so could save you, your passengers, and others on the road,” Clinebell said. “And, if you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take away their keys and help them to get home safely — it will be the greatest gift you ever give them. We want everyone to enjoy the fun, no matter if you are Irish or not!”
Sponsors of the 2025 757 Sober Ride campaigns are Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law and Virginia DMV.
Visit to DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride for more information.
