If you’re gearing up to celebrate the Fourth of July with a few drinks, make sure you have a safe ride home lined up. County officials are highlighting the SoberRide program as a crucial resource to keep the holiday festivities fun and tragedy-free.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) SoberRide, in partnership with Lyft, will offer a limited number of codes for $15 off a Lyft ride from 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4, until 4 a.m. Friday, July 5.
The first 1,500 passengers who enter a promo code, posted on SoberRide.com at 3 p.m. on July 4, will receive free rides up to $15. The service will only be available for users 21 and older in Lyft’s Washington, D.C. coverage area.
To claim the ride credit, visit SoberRide.com during the active campaign period to find the promo code. Then, open the Lyft App on a smartphone, tap the menu icon, select ‘Rewards,’ and enter the SoberRide code from the website.
“Please plan ahead, use the available resources like SoberRide, and make sure you have a safe way to get home. Let’s all do our part to prevent unnecessary tragedies on our roads,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
During the holiday weekend, traffic accidents often spike due to excessive speed, impairment, and distracted driving. Car travel, with the highest fatality rate among major forms of motorized transportation, is intensified by alcohol consumption, a significant contributor to crashes. The National Safety Council estimates that 599 people could lose their lives on U.S. roads this Independence Day holiday.
“The extended Independence Day weekend is expected to bring a record number of travelers on the road,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “With Independence Day falling on a Thursday, we know many people will take an extended weekend to travel or celebrate locally.”
MCDOT advises those celebrating to arrange safe transportation to and from events. The County’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at preventing road fatalities and injuries, provides a list of local transportation options on its website.
Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence face loss of license, hefty fines, and jail time.
“Our officers will be out in full force over the extended weekend,” said Police Chief Marc Yamada. “We will be conducting sobriety checkpoints to remove impaired drivers. I urge anyone who is planning to celebrate with alcohol to plan ahead for a safe ride home.”
For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot.
