FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo
Historically, about one-third of all crashes on May 5 involve a drunk driver.*
Hampton Roads, VA. (April 26, 2024) – Cinco de Mayo is a popular day to celebrate Mexican-American culture across the United States. Ensure that you and your friends stay safe while celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year by remembering one important piece of advice: A sober driver is one who hasn’t ingested any alcohol or substances. If you plan to use, never drive while impaired -and never let a friend drive if they show signs of impairment. It’s essential to arrange a sober ride home. Use Drive Safe HR’s 757 Sober Ride powered by Lyft. https://www.drivesafehr.org/757soberride
Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for Cinco de Mayo: Sunday, May 5, 4 pm until midnight.
During these campaigns, 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. The code will only work if used during the above-stated periods for rides originating from or having a destination within Hampton Roads. DSHR’s Conco de Mayo 757 Sober Ride promo codes will be posted at 4 PM on Sunday at www.DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride. Valid while supplies last. Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. In fact, on average over the 10-year period from 2012-2021, about 10,850 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic fatalities. One person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. DSHR promotes the 757 Sober Ride campaign for rides originating and/or for destinations in Hampton Roads. Supporters of the 2024 757 Sober Ride campaign include Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, the Christopher King Foundation, and the Virginia DMV.
In 2019, 47 people died in drunk-driving crashes during Cinco de Mayo, accounting for 38 percent of all traffic deaths. The increasing threat of drivers combining both marijuana and alcohol leads to greater impairment and a greater risk of getting into a crash.
Jonathan Turner, 757 Sober Ride Chairperson recommends, “If you are the designated driver, commit to 100% sobriety to keep you and your friends safe. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. And, if you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take away their keys and help them make arrangements to get them home safely. If you have plans for Cinco de Mayo, our simple message is to celebrate with a plan. Plan ahead for a sober ride because #BuzzedDriving is drunk driving!”
Enjoy Cinco de Mayo responsibly! Remember, even "just one" drink is too many if you're driving. Stay safe by calling a sober friend 🚗, taxi 🚕, or using Drive Safe Hampton Roads #757Sober_Ride 🚙 to get home safely. https://www.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride
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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 36 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has promoted citizen involvement and community awareness as we strive toward zero deaths on our region’s roadways.
#757Sober_Ride #DriveSafeHR
*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
MEDIA CONTACT: Drive Safe Hampton Roads, Phone: 757-498-2562 / Email: media@drivesafehr.org
