Lyft is offering Tri-Citians $10 to get home safely this holiday season
This holiday season Lyft is offering a discount to help people get home safely.
The ride-sharing company teamed up with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to offer a $10 coupon for rides to Tri-Citians looking for a ride home.
“There are so many great things to get out and explore during the holidays in the Tri-Cities, from watching sports with friends, going to the office holiday party to personal celebrations with family and friends,” said Todd Kelsay, the regional director of Lyft Pacific Northwest. “It’s our goal to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities stress-free and arrives home with a sober ride.”
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board distributed cards with the code “PlanB4Tri” to bars across Kennewick, Richland and Pasco.
The first 1,000 people who enter the code into the Lyft app will get a $10 coupon for their next ride. Claimed codes will last until Feb. 3.
“This program is designed to encourage everyone to make a plan before they party, so they can return home safely,” said Mark Medalen, Washington Traffic Safety Commission program manager.
A ride from East Kennewick Avenue to Columbia Center Boulevard is estimated to cost about $21, according to Lyft’s website. A trip down George Washington Way costs about $18 and if you’re going from downtown Pasco to Road 100, it costs about $24.
Police on patrol
The regional Target Zero task force announced the deal as Benton and Franklin law enforcement kicked off its annual holiday-time DUI emphasis patrols.
On average, about half of the fatal vehicle wrecks in the Benton and Franklin counties between 2008 and 2017 involved a drunk or high or driver, according to Washington Traffic Safety Commission numbers. The statewide average is similar.
The task force’s goal is to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
Additional officers will be on the lookout for people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol starting Dec. 11 through Jan. 1.
The holidays are one of the prime times police see an increase in people getting behind the wheel intoxicated and then crashing, said Kennewick police Sgt. Matt Newton.
The goal of the patrols are to remind people driving under the influence is dangerous and deadly.
“It’s enough so the state has said we’re going to do these emphasis patrols. We’re not going to do it in mid-February or mid-March,” he said. “This is the season when people go to holiday parties, they’re commuting and unfortunately people just make some poor decisions.”
People can avoid getting themselves in trouble with some planning, Newton said. The vouchers are a way for people to help prepare.
“Alcohol or drug cases, they are completely preventable, and you can start preventing these by making a plan,” he said.