“Celebrate freedom by getting home safely this holiday” posters in local establishments are pronouncing as an effort between Sober Rides, Lyft and Uber to encourage those out celebrating Independence Day to use their service rather than driving under the influence. The Delaware Office of Highway Safety Sober Rides program is designed to encourage Delawareans to be proactive when planning holiday activities.
Rideshare vouchers of up to $20 are available by scanning QR codes displayed in various businesses or people can begin claiming vouchers as early as 8 AM on July 4 by visiting MySoberRides.com.
“By offering Delaware residents a convenient and low-cost option for travel to and from July 4th celebrations, OHS aims to reduce fatalities and crashes that involve driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Jason Coleman, media contact for OHS, said. “OHS is promoting the availability of the ride-share vouchers and encouraging their use.”
The July 4th has one of the highest rates of DUI arrests and crashes among holidays. In 2023, 617 people died in traffic crashes during the July 4th holiday period and 38% of those fatalities were a result of drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). From 2019 to 2023, 2,653 people died in traffic crashes during the July 4th holiday period, and 40% of the drivers killed were drunk, according to NHTSA.
“July 4th wraps up a strong season for the Sober Rides program,” Coleman said. “The 2024-25 season encompassed Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day and, to date, has provided more than 600 Delawareans with a safe ride home.”
Sober Rides is sponsored by Breakthru Beverage Delaware, Blue Hen Insurance, Preston Automotive Group, The Starboard, M Insurance Services, Land Rover Wilmington, Liquid Alchemy, Big Fish Restaurant Group, Allstate, the Delaware Blue Coats, Grotto Pizza, State Farm and One day at a Time Gift Shop.
