Friday August 31, 2001

Safe ride program provided to intoxicated bar-goers by DPS

Police and a local alcohol distributor are doing everything possible to eliminate drinking and driving this holiday weekend.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety DUI Task Force will be out in full force patrolling city streets.

"Were going to have a 'wolf pack' of officers patrolling some of the DUI-prone areas of the city," said Ed Slechta, president of the Southern Arizona DUI Task Force.

University of Arizona Police Department officials said that they would be working in conjunction with the task force, and that there will be an increased number of officers on duty for the weekend.

Slechta said that 95 DUIs occurred over Labor Day weekend last year. Their goal for this year is to have none at all.

"If a person is 21 years old, it's their decision to drink - just don't drive," Slechta said.

DPS will be running a program this holiday weekend to assure intoxicated drivers a have a safe ride home. Local taxi companies will be giving free rides to anyone who notifies a bar worker that they are unable to drive home by themselves.

Golden Eagle Distributors, a local alcohol vendor, will be footing the bill for the ride home.

"Last year, the total bill for rides was over $10,000,"Slechta said. To us, that means the program is working well."

One problem people had last year with the free ride was the wait. UA students said they were waiting up to three hours for a ride.

"We started off (with) just one cab company, and we've added another to accommodate the demand," said Mike Jacob, executive director of Corporate Affairs at Golden Eagle Distributors.

UA students said that for those who have been drinking, a designated driver is normally the choice for getting around.