The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will once again offer its SoberRide program for St. Patrick’s Day, according to an announcement from Montgomery County officials.
Offered from 4 p.m. today through 4 a.m. Friday, March 18, in partnership with Lyft, the program offers free rides to potentially impaired drivers in Lyft’s Washington, D.C coverage area.
“St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roadways,” Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin said in a press release. “Nationally, it is the third-most-popular drinking holiday, next to New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras. In 2019, 62 percent of fatal St. Patrick’s Day car crashes between midnight and 6 a.m. involved a drunk driver. These losses are preventable. Be responsible. If you choose to celebrate with alcohol, plan out your night and arrange for a safe ride home in advance.”
During the campaign, there will be a single-use promo code issued on WRAP’s SoberRide website, which will be valid for up to $15 off of one ride (riders are responsible for charges greater than $15). The promo code will be posted at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Montgomery County Police will be stepping up its alcohol enforcement efforts. “The Montgomery County Police Department is dedicated to the safety of our citizens during the St. Patrick’s holiday,” said Police Chief Marcus Jones. “The Montgomery County Police — Alcohol Initiative Unit will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on March 17, 2022. If you are going to participate in St. Patrick’s Day activities and celebrate with alcohol, do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver, call a ride service or use SoberRide.”
Additionally, MCDOT’s Ride On buses are free to all passengers until at least July 2. There are currently 79 routes throughout the County that operate on weekdays from 4 a.m. until midnight, according to MCDOT.
Photo: © Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock
It’s here. If you’re celebrating St. Patrick's Day today and drinking, please designate a sober driver or use WRAP’s #SoberRide! ☘️ (#SoberRide code to be posted at 3:00 pm at https://t.co/6cAYMRtXzy. Limited quantities available.) pic.twitter.com/r9lrzNYXkX
— WRAP.org (@WRAP_org) March 17, 2022