Department of Liquor Control Promotes Discounts for Designated Driving and Taxi Program

December 16, 2016 /3BL Media/ - In an effort to help prevent drunk driving in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) is partnering with a local transportation service, Dryver, to offer $20 gift cards towards a designated driver this holiday season and $5 off the first ten Lyft rides used.

The Dryver program, the nation’s largest designated driver service, is an alternative transportation service that provides professional drivers to drive your vehicle for you. Dryver allows you to ride in the comfort of your own car while leaving the driving to a professional. Fully-screened and fully-insured, Dryver’s employees have more than 10 years of driving experience and arrive dressed in professional attire. With hourly personal driver services from $14-$19.50 an hour (depending on location) and car pickup services for $25 plus mileage, Dryver offers an affordable solution for enjoying a night out or getting a ride home for yourself and your car.

Additionally, Lyft, a reliable taxi service that allows rides to be requested on demand, is offering $5 off the first ten rides.

This promotional program is a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control, Brown Forman’s Jack Daniel’s brand, Breakthru Beverage, Dryver, Lyft, and the Montgomery County Police Department, and aims to prevent drunk driving throughout Montgomery County over the holiday season.

The Holiday Rides program marks a collective effort by all involved to provide safer and more affordable alternatives to drunk driving and DUIs. Liquor stores across Montgomery County will participate in encouraging people to use designated drivers, showcasing educational signs and handing out free $20 gift cards towards a designated driver through Dryver and $5 off the first ten  Lyft rides. Both have smartphone apps.

“Montgomery County Police will be in full force this holiday season, looking to arrest drunk drivers who put us all at risk,” said Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manager. “This safe ride initiative is another step towards promoting responsible behavior this holiday season. Drunk driving is completely preventable if you have a plan. Using a cab or designated driver service is a far safer and cheaper option than being transported by a police officer.”

“Jack Daniel’s has always encouraged people to drink responsibly,” said Taylor Amerman, North America Region responsibility manager at Jack Daniel's parent corporation Brown-Forman. “We’re proud to be a partner in this campaign and support the Holiday Rides initiative to help the people of Montgomery County make the most of their holiday season.” 

“With everyone traveling and enjoying themselves at holiday parties and get-togethers, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is traditionally a more dangerous time to be on the road,” added Arthur Simanovsky, Dryver CEO and President. “As people enjoy the holidays with family and friends, we want them to realize finding a designated driver can be easy, quick and more convenient than ever before.” 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports there were 1,180 people killed in crashes during the 2013 holiday season, and almost a third (30%) of those were due to drunk driving. In addition to the physical harm drunk driving causes those involved, the average DUI can cost offenders $10,000 in fines, fees, and court costs. 

“The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control is proud to partner with the Dryver and Lyft to offer a safe alternative to drinking and driving,” says Kathie Durbin, Chief of Licensing, Regulation and Education for the Montgomery County DLC.

The Holiday Rides program will encourage participants to use the Dryver and Lyft mobile apps where customers can reserve a driver through their smartphone, request a car pickup using GPS location, track their vehicle, and call their driver directly.

The Holiday Rides program launches today and will continue through the 2017 winter season.

Media Contacts:  Kathie Durbin, 240-372-1023 or Emily DeTitta, 240-777-1904