Department of Liquor Control Promotes Free and Discounted Safe Rides

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 16, 2017

Aiming to prevent drunk driving throughout Montgomery County, the Department of Liquor Control (DLC) is promoting free and reduced cost safe rides during St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday traditionally associated with higher drunk driving rates, crashes and fatalities.

 

“St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration for many. Unfortunately, it’s also a day when many make the dangerous choice to drive after celebrating with alcohol. Montgomery County Police will be in full force this St. Patrick’s Day, looking to arrest drunk drivers that put us all at risk,” said Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger. “These programs are a step in the right direction. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol.”

 

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the rich history of the Irish. Police throughout the state have announced that they will be running checkpoints and enhanced enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day, looking to arrest drunk drivers.

 

In Maryland, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). A BAC between .07% and .08% may result in a charge of driving while impaired (DWI). The recently enacted Noah’s Law mandates ignition interlock devices for those receiving their first DUI conviction. In addition to possible death and physical harm, the average DUI can cost offenders $10,000 in fines, fees, and court costs. 

 

“The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control is proud to partner with Dryver and Lyft to promote a safe alternative to drinking and driving,” says Robert Dorfman, director of the DLC. “I encourage those celebrating with alcohol to drink responsibly by planning out their night, and how they will get home safely, in advance.”

 

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering free Lyft rides, up to $20, with the code SOBERRIDE from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., Friday night into Saturday morning. For the rest of the year, the MoCoDLC code will get residents $5 off the first 10 Lyft rides. 

 

The Dryver program, the nation’s largest designated driver service,is an alternative transportation service that provides professional drivers to drive your vehicle for you. Dryver allows you to ride in the comfort of your own car while leaving the driving to a professional. Fully-screened and fully-insured, Dryver’s employees have more than 10 years of driving experience and arrive dressed in professional attire. With hourly personal driver services from $14-$19.50 an hour (depending on location) and car pickup services for $25 plus mileage, Dryver offers an affordable solution for enjoying a night out or getting a ride home for yourself and your car. Use the code MoCoDLC to get $20 of your first Dryver service.

 

The MoCoDLC Safe Ride program is a partnership between DLC, Brown-Foreman though their Jack Daniels brand, Breakthru Beverage, Dryver, Lyft and the Montgomery County Police Department. Download the free Dryver and Lyft mobile apps on your smart phone.

 

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Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-777-1904