FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free 757 Sober LYFT Rides for July 4th
Within the Hampton Roads Southside and Peninsula Coverage Area
From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the
4th of July holiday.*
Hampton Roads, VA. (June 8, 2023) – Planning to celebrate America’s birthday? Most Americans love to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, food, and fireworks. Yet, all too often the festivities turn tragic on our nation's roads. This American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes. Whether you are just meeting a few friends after work or attending a cookout with family, if you plan on using alcohol, never drink and drive -and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment. Instead, use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride powered by Lyft. https://www.drivesafehr.org/757soberride
Free or reduced fare rides are being offered to drivers in Hampton Roads who are using alcohol during the July 4th holiday timeframe. Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for July 4th from 4 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd until 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5th.
During the thirty-six hour period, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones, then enter the 757 Sober Ride code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. DSHR’s 2023 July 4th 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd, at www.DriveSafeHR.org/757SoberRide. It can be used only during the above stated period for rides originating from or have a destination within Hampton Roads. Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service. Valid for new and existing Lyft users while supplies last.
According to NHTSA, 38% (552) of the drivers killed during the 2017-2021 July 4th holiday were alcohol-impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and nearly half (44%) of the drivers killed aged 21-34 were drunk. In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities in Hampton Roads, DSHR partners with Lyft to promote the 757 Sobe-r Ride campaign for rides starting and/or ending in Hampton Roads. Sponsors of the 2023 757 Sober Ride campaign include the Christopher King Foundation and the Virginia DMV.
“As you head out around July 4th holiday, you'll likely see more law enforcement on the roads. On average, a DUI can set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing, and more.** Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Be smart, plan ahead, and use 757 Sober Ride to get home safely. The life you save may be your own, or someone you love.” said Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson. The program is patterned after the highly successful, award-winning SoberRide® program conducted by the non-profit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).
Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is a non-profit regional coalition whose mission is to improve highway safety, and reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes. For 35 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has promoted citizen involvement and community awareness as we strive toward zero deaths on our region’s roadways.
*Source: Traffic Safety Marketing
**Source: Virginia Crash Data
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Media Contact:
Drive Safe Hampton Roads
Phone: 757-498-2562
Email: dshr@drivesafehr.org
