The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is teaming up with a popular ridesharing company to encourage people to choose a sober ride home.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign kicked off Friday and runs through the Labor Day holiday.
During the 17-day period, everyone can receive a discounted ride by a Lyft driver. The campaign’s goal is to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.
With a click of a thumb, customers can install a Lyft app and enter the promotional code MOLYFT19 to save $5 on a safe ride home. To qualify for the discount, the ride must either begin or end in Missouri. The limited time offer is valid just one time.
According to a newly released data from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, 198 people were killed, and another 539 people were seriously injured in drug and/or alcohol related crashes in Missouri.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign runs late August through early September to remind people, especially over the Labor Day holiday, to act responsible and find a safe ride home.
“Impaired driving is a year-round concern, but the goal of this campaign is to create public awareness to the dangers and consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Jon Nelson, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “We also want to emphasize there are a number of alternatives for finding a sober ride, and this campaign helps make that happen.”
With ride-hailing companies providing safe and cashless transactions, people have more reliable transportation options than ever before and absolutely no excuses to drive under the influence.
Each year, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety works with countless laws enforcement agencies to remind everyone of the consequences of driving impaired. “If you cause a fatal crash while impaired, prosecutors have the authority to charge you with involuntary manslaughter—a felony resulting in up to seven years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both, states a release.
As for getting caught the first time, offenders can have their license suspended for 90-days and be fined $500. A second intoxication-related offense would require the motorist to install an ignition interlock device of his vehicle.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety runs 20 different campaigns each year to make sure everyone arrives safely at their destination. The goal is to reduce traffic crashes to 700 or less by 2020.