With the potential for inclement weather and the New Year's Eve holiday, the Jefferson City Police Department would again like to remind all those who take part in the annual festivities to be responsible and designate a driver.
As an alternative, however, the Jefferson City Police Department and Fechtel Beverage have continued to work together to provide the Sober Driver Program.
The Sober Driver Program is a community-based program that provides 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. In 2012, over 800 rides were given to impaired individuals. 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 taxi 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. The ticket is then presented to the driver of the cab by the patron. The Sober Driver ticket then entitles the passenger to a taxi ride home from the establishment.
• From private parties that have acquired tickets in advance.
Individuals hosting private parties are eligible to use this program. Tickets for party guests can be acquired prior to the event by calling: Fechtel Beverage, 425 W. Elm St., 636-5161, or Jefferson City Police Department, 401 Monroe St., Sgt. Doug Ruediger, 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.
Reminder: Checker Cab Company will only take riders directly to their home or a hotel. They will not stop at another party or establishment that sells alcohol. Passengers can utilize the same ticket as the driver if needed.