Local Businesses, Community Leaders Launch Holiday Campaign to Prevent Drunk Driving

District Attorney Michael Ramos joined local officials and business owners in the city of Redlands to warn against the dangers of drinking and driving and to announce a new program aimed at offering free or reduced transportation to bar and restaurant patrons in need of a safe ride home. “I would like to commend Hangar 24 and all the participating business owners for spearheading this project, which ultimately has the goal of offering a safe alternative to those who might otherwise feel compelled to drink and drive,” Ramos said. The Responsible Redlands Safe Rides Home Program will be available through New Year’s Day, each night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. During this same 12-day period last year, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 460 DUI-related cases across the county. Of this amount, 15 involved death or serious injury. In the last year, 7,337 DUI-related cases have been filed. Of this amount, 269 cases involved death or serious injury. The program was announced at an event at the Hangar 24 Craft Brewery on Dec. 17. Costs associated with the free or reduced cab rides will be covered by the following businesses: Romano's, Eureka Burger, Royal Falconer, The Boiler Room, Gourmet Pizza Kitchen, Redlands Underground, Flamingo, Lounge 22, the Hangar 24 Tasting Room, the Hangar 24 Craft Brewery and the Redlands Cab Company. In order for the businesses to cover the cab fare, they need to follow four rules: 1. Cabs must be called by the restaurant/bar staff. 2. The staff member must tell the dispatcher that "Hangar 24 Responsible Redlands is picking up the tab for the first four miles." 3. Rides are provided from bars and restaurants (not from house parties) only to a home and not to another bar. 4. Due to the high number of ride requests, rides cannot be guaranteed for everyone who calls. Remember, the campaign will only cover the first four miles. “Driving under the influence is one of the most preventable of crimes," said Ramos. "In our office, we prefer prevention far more than prosecution, but it starts with a choice. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, it can be a dangerous and costly decision. Not only can it lead to getting into an accident and injuring or killing yourself or others, but it can cost up to $10,000 with fines and higher insurance premiums. While Hangar 24 and their local partners are teaming up to make their city a safer place this holiday season, I encourage every citizen in the county to play it smart and drink responsibly. Not just during the holidays but every day.”