Cab companies offering free rides over holiday weekend

Some Capital City cab companies are offering free rides for drivers who may also be drinking, a cheaper and safer option than a DWI.

Michael Olive with Checker Cab in Jefferson City said, “Our average cab ride is around $6.87, but you could spend up to $15,000 as I’ve heard some people talk about with DWIs or DUI’s, just to take care of it.”

When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t play around. That’s a reason why police will be stepping up their game this weekend, by having more officers out looking for impaired drivers.

Bill Whitfield with MoDOT said, “In 2013, there were 19 people killed during the counting period over the 4th of July. 15 of those were actual motorists of vehicles but not only do we know that they made the poor choice of driving impaired, but we do know that 90% of those were unbuckled as well.”

To help combat those making poor decisions, the sober driver program offers free rides every day of the year. All a person has to do is tell their bartender and a lime green Checker Cab will pick you up and take you home.”

Olive said, “The sober driver program was designated in the 1980s and was meant to give people an option for a safe ride home with our cab company. It’s valued for up to $10 of the ride.”

MoDOT officials said they want people to remember it’s okay to go out and have fun, but it’s not okay to get drunk and endanger the lives of others by getting behind the wheel drunk.

“If you’re going out and drinking alcohol or impaired by any type of substance, just make sure you do not get behind the wheel of a car and drive.”

Officials with Jefferson City Police also said they’re increasing patrols around downtown and areas to the north. It’s part of a larger statewide effort to crack down on drunk driving.