HAMPTON ROADS — Drive Safe Hampton Roads is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for the night before Thanksgiving — popularly known as Thanksgiving Eve or “Drinksgiving.”
DSHR and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and drivers should always commit to sober driving or make plans for a safe ride.
According to NHTSA, from 2019 to 2023, for the period from 6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, 149 drunk drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes. Of those, 107 were male and 34 were female. Drivers 21-24 were the age group most likely to be alcohol-impaired in fatal crashes on that same night, followed by drivers aged 25-34.
“These tragic events highlight the urgent need for everyone to plan with safety in mind,” said Brian Hennessy, Chair, Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ Impaired Driving Prevention Committee. “When you get on the road you are pledging to use safe driving practices to keep everyone safe. The night commonly referred to as ‘Drinksgiving’ is no exception. Plan ahead of time for a sober designated driver or take advantage of the 757 Sober Ride program before you leave the house. These simple things help keep everyone on the road safe and ensure they have a memorable Thanksgiving holiday season.”
DSHR urges those planning to celebrate to include a plan for a sober ride home. Those celebrating can use Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ 757 Sober Ride by visiting drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ 757 Sober Ride for Thanksgiving Eve is available from 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 through 3 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. Powered by Lyft, individuals 21 and older celebrating with alcohol, legal or illegal drugs may take advantage of this ride, up to $15, by following these steps:
- Download the Lyft app to your cell phone.
- Go to drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride to get the 757 Sober Ride promo code.
- DSHR’s Thanksgiving Eve 757 Sober Ride program promo code will be posted at 5 p.m. on Nov. 26.
- Enter the 757 Sober Ride promo code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option).
- Receive a sober ride home, up to $15.
DSHR said the code will only work if used during the above-stated times for rides originating from or having a destination within Hampton Roads. The offer is valid while supplies last and is subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.
Supporters of the 2025 757 Sober Ride program are Drive Safe Hampton Roads, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, and the campaign is funded in part by a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
