Free 757 Sober LYFT Rides on Blackout Wednesday in Hampton Roads

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free 757 Sober LYFT Rides Blackout Wednesday
Within All Cities in the Hampton Roads Southside and Peninsula Coverage Area
From 2016 to 2020, 138 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve were alcohol-impaired.*

Hampton Roads, Va. (November 18, 2022)If you get blasted on Blackout Wednesday, make sure your Thanksgiving holiday isn’t wasted.  Plan for a safe and sober ride home.  Use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride (free/reduced fare) powered by Lyft.  www.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride  #757Sober_Ride #BlackoutWednesday #BuzzedDriving is drunk driving.

Free or reduced fare rides are being offered to would-be alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads this Thanksgiving Eve.  Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Blackout Wednesday from 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd until 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 24th.

During the twelve-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 2022 Blackout Wednesday 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd, on www.DriveSafeHR.org/757-Sober-Ride. It can be used only during the above stated period.  Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.  Valid for new and existing Lyft users while supplies last.

Drunk-driving-related crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday season.  According to NHTSA, from 2016 to 2020, 138 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired.  Young people are particularly at risk: Drivers ages 21-24 represented the largest percentage (44%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2016-2020 on Thanksgiving Eve.  In an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities in Hampton Roads, DSHR has partnered with Lyft to promote the 757 Sober Ride campaign.  Sponsors of DSHR’s 2022 757 Sober Ride campaign include the Christopher King Foundation and the Virginia DMV.

“Using Lyft as an alternative to impaired driving is a smart option for individuals and for reducing social harm in their communities,” said Kamillah Wood, Director of Public Policy for Community Safety at Lyft. “Roadway Safety Programs like in Hampton Roads and Lyft's public partnerships empower communities with safer options for themselves and those around them.”  The program is patterned after the highly successful, award-winning SoberRide® program conducted by the non-profit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).

Because the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest for America, more drivers will be on the roads than usual, increasing the likelihood of a motor vehicle crash.  Add a sober designated driver to your Thanksgiving Eve agenda.  We want you, your friends, and your family to make it to the Thanksgiving table this year.  757 Sober Ride is there for you.

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 over 34 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has promoted citizen involvement and community awareness as we strive toward zero deaths on our region’s roadways.

*Source: NHTSA

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Media Contact:
Drive Safe Hampton Roads

Phone: 757-498-2562
Email: dshr@drivesafehr.org

 

 

 

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