Even though the rate of DUIs has fallen in 2013 doesn’t mean that this New Year’s Eve will be safe. The sad reality is that too many people drive under the influence and end up hurting people, and the holidays are the peak season for alcohol-related accidents. It’s so simple – don’t drink and drive.
Here are some facts about drunk driving that every driver should know:
One person is killed every half-hour due to drunk driving.
Each year approximately 16,000 people are killed in alcohol related crashes
Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all traffic fatalities
In the age of smartphones, it’s really not difficult to avoid driving drunk. In addition to that, local police gear up for drunk driving the most on New Year’s Eve. Getting a DUI is not an ideal situation for anybody, and the repercussions after you get caught are not worth it. If you do not have a sober designated driver or cannot find a taxi, here are some other options to consider tonight:
Lyft
http://ow.ly/sb7vW
Riders can request for a Lyft ride at any hour of the day. All you have to do is request for a driver near you, list how many passengers, your destination, and they’ll come and pick you up. It’s that easy! You can easily identify your requested Lyft vehicle by their distinguishable giant pink mustache attached to the grill of the car. Lyft drivers use their own cars for a more “fun and social” ride, and payment is based on a “donation”. The app will provide you with an estimated total cost prior to your ride and then a suggested donation amount when you reach your destination. Then you can quickly pay for your ride through the app with just one tap of a button (and can tip too!). Be wary of “Prime Time” surcharges for peak hours, especially on New Year’s Eve, and check your estimated costs before you request your Lyft. Drivers and users have their own profiles, and both drivers and passengers can rate each other on their experiences with one another. Do keep in mind that drivers have every right to cancel a request if they feel that the situation is unsafe or unpleasant due to passengers, route, or destination. So word to the wise – don’t get blacklisted for non-payment! Other services similar to Lyft to consider include Sidecar and Uber. Related Article: No Car? No Problem.
AAA Tipsy Tow
In some regions, American Automobile Association (AAA) will be offering free tows home on New Year’s Eve for tipsy drivers. This is part of the association’s Holiday Safe Ride Program, and is offered to both members and non-members. The service starts at 6pm tonight! Check the map below for exact regions that the service will be offered.
http://ow.ly/sb6ZN
Free Public Transportation
http://ow.ly/sb7ZN
Check to see if your city is offering free rides on the local transportation. Los Angeles Metro is offering free bus and train rides, Chicago Transit Authority is offering “penny” rides (yes, it will cost you just one cent), and the RTC in Las Vegas is offering free transit as well. There is even a law firm in Colorado who will be covering free cab rides for the intoxicated tonight. A quick Google search will let you know if you have free rides in your metro area.
Be safe tonight everyone, make some smart decisions, and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Related article: New Cars To Be Excited About In 2014
