Free Cinco De Mayo LYFT Rides Offered
Throughout Norfolk and Virginia Beach
To Prevent Drunk Driving
More than a third of U.S. highway deaths during Cinco de Mayo involve drunk drivers.
Hampton Roads, Va. (April 21, 2022) – Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third (39%) of U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers,* a local non-profit organization announced today that free/reduced cost safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area during next month’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Offered by the non-profit Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR), the 2022 Cinco de Mayo 757 Sober Ride program will be in operation beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) and operate until 4:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6th as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk period.
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 Cinco de Mayo 757 Sober Ride promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th, 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 a-third of U.S. traffic fatalities during Cinco de Mayo involve drunk drivers (39%, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2015-2019).*
At this time, 757 Sober Ride is offered through the Lyft coverage areas within the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. This is the first year for this 757 Sober Ride campaign. 757 Sober Ride will also operate on Memorial Day and the 4th of July holiday. 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).
“Safety is the cornerstone of all healthy communities, and it’s one of the key values Lyft was founded on. 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.”
Sponsors of DSHR’s 2022 757 Sober Ride campaign include the Christopher King Foundation and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
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 Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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