Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (39%) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free Lyft rides will be offered to deter impaired driving throughout the Northern Virginia area beginning Thursday, July 4th, 2019.

Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the 2019 Independence Day SoberRide program will be in operation beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4th (Independence Day) until 2:00 a.m. Friday, July 5th, 2019 as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday.

During this seven-hour period, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download Lyft to their phones, then enter a SoberRide code in the app's “Promo” section to receive their no cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. WRAP’s Independence Day SoberRide promo code will be posted at 6 pm on Thursday, July 4th on www.SoberRide.com.

Last year, a record 746 persons in the Washington-metropolitan area used WRAP’s July 4th SoberRide program rather than possibly driving home impaired. WRAP also offers its SoberRide program on St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween and the winter holidays.

“Over one-third (39%) of all U.S. traffic fatalities during July 4th, 2017 involved drunk drivers according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” said Kurt Erickson, WRAP’s President. “Worse, over three-fourths (79%) of alcohol-impaired fatalities during the 2017 July 4th period occurred during nighttime hours.”

SoberRide is offered throughout Lyft’s Washington, D.C. coverage area which includes all or parts of: the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s; and the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.

"Lyft is proud of the role ridesharing has played in reducing impaired driving across the nation," said Steve Taylor, GM, Lyft Washington, D.C.

Through public education, innovative health education programs and advocacy, WRAP is credited with keeping the metro-Washington area’s alcohol-related traffic deaths historically lower than the national average.

More information about WRAP’s SoberRide® initiative can be found at www.SoberRide.com.