FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free 757 Sober LYFT Rides on Memorial Day In Norfolk and Virginia Beach
41% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver over the Memorial Day holiday period in 2020*
Hampton Roads, Va. (May 23, 2022) – Free or reduced fare rides are being offered to alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Norfolk and Virginia Beach this Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) and Lyft are sponsoring 757 Sober Ride from 4 p.m. on Monday, May 30, until 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31.
During this 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 Memorial Day 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30, 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.
Over 3700 people died on U.S. roads in May 2021.** During the 2020 Memorial Day period, 41% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.* Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Safety Council (NSO), over 400 people may die on U.S. roads this Memorial Day,* 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 Department of Motor Vehicles.
"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."
At this time, 757 Sober Ride is offered through the Lyft coverage areas originating within the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. 757 Sober Ride will also operate on the 4th of July holiday weekend and include the Williamsburg area. In 2023, the program will expand to all cities in the Southside and Peninsula and will add additional holidays. 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 goal is to increase the community's involvement and awareness of traffic safety issues. For over 34 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has been dedicated to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the region's roadways.
*Source: National Safety Council
**Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Media Contact:
Kathy Raymond, Administrative Coordinator
Drive Safe Hampton Roads
Phone: 757-498-2562
Email: dshr@drivesafehr.org
