PARMA, Ohio—-For those celebrating the New Year, several local communities are offering free rides home.
The Parma Police Department is partnering with ABC Taxi to get people home safe.
“People are the least to recognize they had too much to drink, so if someone suggests to get them a ride home, it would be a smart decision to take them up on that offer,” said Det. Mary R. Compton of the Parma Police Department.
Patrons can ask their bartender for a free taxi cab voucher, which can be found at most bars in Parma.
Karen Sefcik tends bar at the Red Circle Bar and Lanes. She says the holidays can become quite exciting–and dangerous–for some.
“Oh, it gets crazy. We have a good group, good crowd come in. Lot of young kids and some older people, but it gets pretty busy.
Though the safe ride program is relatively new, she said it’s becoming an important outlet for patrons.
“They’re not getting in their car, leaving your establishment, driving away, hitting somebody, killing somebody or getting into trouble,” she said.
Yet, in 2010, drunk-driving accidents were on the rise.
About 40 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in Ohio involved a drunk driver.
“Some people get carried away a little bit,” said Parma resident Tom Pfeil. “And if you have an opportunity to get a free ride home so that you’re not driving, not taking a chance on the road, it’s beneficial for everybody.
Pfeil hopes the program will curb the problem with the program, which is in its second year.
“You don’t have to put the keys in the ignition,” Pfeil said. “You know, no chance or hurting anybody or hurting yourself. And you can still enjoy your evening.”
The rides are not at the price of the taxpayers, Compton said. It’s funded from prior OVI convictions.
“It kind of works full-circle,” he said. “That’s how we’re able to pay the billboard to advertise it. How can you put a cost on something like that? I think that if it saves one life, then regardless of the cost it’s been a success”
AREAS OFFERING FREE RIDES
PARMA
Ask your bartender for a free taxi cab voucher. They will help you call a cab. This service is available within the city of Parma and will only take you to a residence. The program will end on Jan. 2.
STARK COUNTY AREA
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) is offering free bus rides from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. For more information, go to http://www.sartaonline.com
LORAIN
The Lorain Police Department will offer anyone in Lorain who may have consumed too much alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Per the city’s website, residents and businesses may contact Lorain Police Dispatch at 440 204-2100 to request a ride for a person who should not be driving intoxicated and transport them to their residence in the Lorain area. For more information, go to http://www.cityoflorain.org/announcements?view=1314
OTHER AREAS
A number of other local police departments Fox 8 contacted, like Eastlake and Lyndhurst, said they will also provide courtesy rides to residents. If you’re in need of a ride home on New Year’s Eve, contact your local police department’s non-emergency phone line.