FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free 757 Sober LYFT Rides Memorial Day Weekend
Within the Hampton Roads Southside and Peninsula Coverage Area
The average number of traffic deaths during Memorial Day over the last six years
is 12.4% higher than the average number of traffic deaths.*
Hampton Roads, VA. (May, 2023) – The 14 weeks from Memorial Day to Labor Day have earned the grim title of the 100 Deadliest Days. 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 while impaired -and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment. Instead, use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride powered by Lyft. www.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride
Free or reduced fare rides are being offered to would-be alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads for Memorial Day weekend 2023. Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Memorial Day weekend from 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 28th until 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30th.
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 Memorial Day Weekend 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 28th, at www.DriveSafeHR.org/757-Sober-Ride.
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 the NHTSA, in 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2019. These deaths were all preventable.** In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities in Hampton Roads, DSHR partners with Lyft to promote the 757 Sober 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 the Memorial Day holiday, you'll likely see more law enforcement on the roads. Drunk drivers face jail time when they're caught, and the financial impact is devastating. 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: NSC Injury Facts
**Source: Virginia Crash Data
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Media Contact:
Drive Safe Hampton Roads
Phone: 757-498-2562
Email: dshr@drivesafehr.org
