WASHINGTON 鈥� The cops want you to know they鈥檒l be on the roads targeting drunk drivers this weekend and through New Year鈥檚 Eve.
is an annual program run by law enforcement agencies that targets drunken drivers on the road during the holiday season. This year’s campaign is called,聽“Act Like It,” encouraging New Year’s revelers to act their age.
鈥淲e encourage residents to get a safe ride home and to know that we鈥檒l be out there to apprehend those who don鈥檛,鈥� said Douglas Goodman, Ashland police chief and president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
To stay safe this New Year’s, Checkpoint Strikeforce recommends D.C.’s聽, which began partnering with Lyft last year. At noon on Dec. 31, SoberRide will post a promo code to their website that can be redeemed for up to $15 off a ride taken with Lyft between 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve and 4 a.m. Jan 1.
Last New Year’s Eve, the program completed 鈥渙ver 1,200 rides just in the eight hours of offering the free safe ride service,” said Kurt Erickson, the head of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program.
Last year’s partnership with Lyft resulted in a 111 percent ridership increase from the previous year, when the program offered discounts for local cab fares.
鈥淸Riders] are able to engage that app 鈥� [they] know exactly when their driver will be there, how many minutes it鈥檒l be, what their driver鈥檚 name is, and so forth, and have a cashless exchange,鈥� said Erickson.
Even if your trip home exceeds the $15 redeemable value, you鈥檙e still able to pay the rest of the balance through your Lyft app. Erickson said it鈥檚 proven far more convenient for people who have been drinking.
