Program offers ride to bar to discourage DWIs

Bernalillo County officials have launched a new test program in the battle against drunk driving....  More »

Bernalillo County officials have launched a new test program in the battle against drunk driving. It is expanding the current Safe Ride program by giving drivers more than just a ride home. Safe Ride currently offers a free taxi cab ride from a bar to your home as a way to encourage drivers to stay off the roads if they’ve been drinking. Now a new pilot program will also give you a ride to the bar before your drinking begins. County officials hope that by offering people a ride somewhere to begin with, they will be less tempted to drive their cars after a night of drinking. “It will allow people to visit their favorite restaurant, indulge in alcohol if they wish, and not worry about leaving their vehicle behind when they want to go home,” said Bernalillo County commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins. Bernalillo County unveiled the new program with a television public service announcement featuring Sheriff Darren White. White says the night before the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the worst nights for DWIs. The Safe Ride pilot program is currently running through Wednesday, November 25. The county will then evaluate the program to see how well it worked.  « Less