Department:
District Attorney

Date:
12/14/2017
Contact:
Steve Davey

Phone:
(916) 813-5209

Placerville, CA - El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson announced today that his office is partnering with the ride-share app company Lyft to encourage local residents to use safe rides to reduce impaired driving and help keep El Dorado County safe this holiday season. This groundbreaking effort is the first partnership between a law enforcement agency and a private ride share company in California. This innovative campaign is just the latest part of the District Attorney’s Office efforts to combat drunk driving in El Dorado County. Last month, the District Attorney secured a vital Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant that will fund a vertically integrated anti-DUI task force.

Impaired driving remains a serious problem throughout the state and in El Dorado County, which was fourth worst in total fatal and injury collisions in 2015. In California, there were 17,390 injury collisions involving alcohol in 2015 alone. That same year, there were 122 alcohol-involved injuries or fatalities in El Dorado County.

Between December 14th and January 1st, Lyft will provide discounted rides in the greater Sacramento area, including El Dorado and Placer County. New users can enter the code RIDESAFE2018 in the app for $5 off their first 10 rides, and existing users can claim 10% off 2 rides with code RIDESAFECA.

"Thanks to the ever evolving and innovative methods of ride sharing in today's high-tech world, there are no excuses for impaired driving,” commented District Attorney Vern Pierson. “My office is committed not only to protecting the public by aggressively prosecuting those who drink and drive, but also to helping prevent the devastating impact of these crimes by encouraging use of new emerging tech applications. This holiday season please rely on a designated driver, Lyft, or any available alternative to get you home safely this holiday season."

“DUIs are completely avoidable,” said Lyft Northern California Market Manager David Kunst. “We want Sacramento residents to celebrate responsibly during the holiday season and choose Lyft for a safe transportation option home at the end of the night.”