Historic Triangle residents who choose to go out for New Years Eve can look forward to a night with friends and family, fireworks, dinner, drinks, live music and more.
But for some, New Year’s Eve can take a serious turn if alcohol is involved, resulting in jail, a DUI charge, or something even more serious.
The holiday season is one of the deadliest times for alcohol-related traffic crashes and fatalities, according to AAA Tidewater Virginia.
In the Historic Triangle, there are several transportation-related companies who have residents’ backs if they’ve drank too much to put the keys in the ignition.
AAA Tipsy Tow
Like New Year’s Eves in the past, AAA Tidewater Virginia is offering its annual Tipsy Tow program until 6 a.m. Jan. 1.
If residents call 800-AAA-HELP and say they need a Tipsy Tow, a tow truck will meet the driver and take them and their vehicle home.
The program is free to both AAA members and non-members.
Tipsy Tow does not include rides for passengers, and is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver. The destination is limited to the driver’s residence.
Reservations are not accepted.
Services cover the Greater Hampton Roads area including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County and Williamsburg.
Lyft
While Lyft is not offering any Hampton Roads-specific deals or promotions for New Year’s Eve, those traveling to Washington, D.C. for the holiday may be in luck.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program has partnered with Lyft for the SoberRide program.
New and existing Lyft riders can get a free Lyft ride home up to $15 with a special code.
The code will be posted on the Lyft website between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. The program ends at 4 a.m. Jan. 1.
“We encourage Lyft riders to ride smart and plan ahead for a responsible ride home when ringing in 2019 with friends and family,” said Steve Taylor, general manager for Lyft Mid-Atlantic. “We’ll also be there all night to support drivers on the road who want to take advantage of this additional earning opportunity.”
Uber
Like Lyft, Uber will not have any promotion codes for the Hampton Roads region.
Uber has paired with Mothers Against Drunk Driving for a holiday campaign this year called “Reasons To Ride,” which encourages “everyone to forget the excuses and get home safely —whether it’s a bus, a designated driver or requesting an Uber.”
Drink Williamsburg bus
The Drink Williamsburg bus will be operating on New Year’s Eve at its regular fare.
There are still some seats available, Drink Williamsburg owner Lance Zaal said.
The 14-passenger bus itinerary generally adheres to two four-hour tours at $69 per person and include tastings, according to the website for Drink Williamsburg.
The bus is a safe alternative for those looking to drink but not drive New Year’s Eve.
The bus offers free pick up and drop-off for groups of five or more within three miles of downtown Williamsburg, and can pick up outside of this range for a fee.
“Drink Williamsburg eliminates pesky issues, like having to find a driver and fight through a crowd to get a drink,” according to the Drink Williamsburg website. “Instead, meet new and exciting people while enjoying the alcoholic pleasures Williamsburg has to offer.”
