The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is providing would-be drunk drivers with free cab fare throughout the holidays. This grand scale effort to reduce drunk driving fatalities is having its 18th year and provided about 1,000 free taxis last New Year's Eve. In total, the Sober Ride Program has provided over 52,000 safe rides home.

By calling 1-800-200-TAXI, drunken party-goers can get a free ride home up to a value of $30. The ride must originate in the District of Columbia, or in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties; the Cities of Rockville, Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt and Takoma Park in Maryland.

The service is available between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am; the program is available tonight the 30th and tomorrow night, New Year's Eve. A few important things to remember:

• You cannot reserve ahead or call to schedule a pickup in advance; the call must originate during program hours and will be dispatched as soon as a taxi is available,


• You must pay any fare amount in excess of $30,


• The free ride does not include tip and you should remember to tip your driver in relation to the total fare amount, and


• You must be 21 or older to ride with the service.

Participating taxi companies include: Barwood, Inc. (Montgomery County), Silver Cab of Prince George's County (Prince George's County), and Yellow Cab of District of Columbia (District of Columbia), as well as some Virginia companies. When waiting for your ride, be sure to watch for a taxi from one of the participating services in your area.

Remember, police officers will be canvassing for Maryland drunk drivers this weekend and will be out in full force. Be sure to plan ahead for appropriate transportation and avoid having to call a DUI lawyer. Have a safe and happy New Year and call Safe Ride as an option to drinking and driving.

This blog post was written by Rosie Brown. She is a law clerk at the Washington, DC based law firm Price Benowitz LLP. The law firm has additional offices in Maryland, Virginia, and New York.