The Nevada Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will increase their presence, this holiday weekend. But they're also teaming up with Uber to try to get people home safely.
Last Fourth of July weekend five people were killed in DUI-related crashes in Nevada. Uber is joining the fight against drunken driving by offering free rides up to $15 for any new users.
People can sign up at uber.com/app and use the code JULY4NV.
Five dollars will also be donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) from June 30 through July 5th.
"It's the best part of my job, seeing statistics, lower DUIs and where there is more Uber, there is less people getting behind the wheel when they're impaired," Craig Hulse, Public Affairs Manager for Uber said.
"The illness truly is drivers' behavior," Major Andy McAfee, Deputy Chief of NHP Northern Command said. "Choosing to drive while impaired is really the catalyst of the whole thing. If we can educate people, prior to them doing that, all of us, your family, my family, we're all safer."
The goal is always to have zero fatalities, and McAfee says having a plan to get home is a first step to preventing drunken driving deaths.
On a side note, AAA will offer its tipsy tow program from 6 p.m. on July 4th to 6 a.m. on July 5th in Nevada. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to ten miles. Just tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” and a truck will be on its way.
The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.
AAA's Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.
AAA estimates that a first time DUI conviction in Nevada can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees, and added insurance expenses.
