Lower participation in free rideshare program raises safety concerns on New Year’s Eve
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - As New Year’s Eve celebrations get underway, safety advocates are once again urging people to plan ahead before drinking and driving. While free rideshare programs are available to help keep impaired drivers off the road, organizers say participation remains lower than expected—despite New Year’s Eve being one of the most dangerous nights for traffic fatalities.
Rideshare driver Suzanne Golas says she’s preparing for what she expects will be a busy night, with many people heading out to celebrate the new year.
"We’re expecting that, that goes without saying. Just be mindful of your surroundings, be accountable for yourself, check the license plate of the car before you get in.”
Suzanne Golas, Rideshare Driver
Golas says she regularly helps people get home safely after they’ve had too much to drink and believes many in the Coachella Valley are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.
However, attorney Walter Clark of the Walter Clark Legal Group says awareness isn’t always translating into action. His firm is offering a free rideshare program on New Year’s Eve to prevent impaired driving, but Clark says usage has typically been lower than anticipated.
“We’re just disappointed because the fact that we make it available and hope that by making it available we’re bringing attention to a problem which is really really serious.”
Walter Clark, Walter Clark Legal Group Attorney
Clark believes many people underestimate how impaired their judgment becomes after drinking, leading them to think it’s safe to drive.
Officials warn that drinking and driving can result in serious consequences, including crashes, injuries, arrests, fines, and license suspension. Despite these risks, Clark says the message still isn’t fully getting through.
“If we are taxing and benefiting from people serving alcohol at restaurants and bars and shocked when people go home - we’re encouraging the problem. We’re also looking the other way when we realize that the alcohol beverage industry spends 7 billion dollars a year encouraging people to drink, at every event.”
Walter Clark, Walter Clark Legal Group Attorney
As advocates continue calling for change, rideshare drivers say they’re ready to help keep roads safe.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
