As the holiday season begins, the Jefferson City Police Department is reminding residents to be responsible and designate a driver or take advantage of the Sober Driver Program.
The Sober Driver Program, which is provided by Fechtel Beverage, is a community-based program which provides free taxi rides to individuals who have become too impaired to legally or safely drive an automobile, or to passengers who choose not to ride with an impaired driver.
Free taxi rides can be acquired in two ways:
• From an establishment that sells alcohol by the drink. Patrons or a business representative should call 636-7102 for a free ride home. A Checker Cab will be dispatched to your location. A "Sober Driver" ticket will be presented to the individual needing a ride by the business and the ticket is then presented to the driver of the cab by the patron.
• From private parties that have acquired tickets in advance. Tickets can be picked up at Fechtel Beverage, 425 W. Elm St., or by calling 636-5161. You may also call Sgt. Doug Ruediger at the police department at 634-6397. Tickets acquired for private parties will have expiration dates covering the time frame of the party.
All Sober Driver tickets are valued at $10, and any costs above that amount are the sole responsibility of the rider. Checker Cab Company will only take riders directly to their home or a hotel.