While there may be no such thing as a “free lunch,” there are a couple of free and a handful of cheap ways to get a ride if you’re intoxicated. 

These ride options are subject to change. The cost and availability are dependent on your location. 

But the important thing is to never drive home while drunk. So don’t be afraid to exhaust every option if you’ve been drinking and need a ride. 

Drunk Driving Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost thirty people in the US die in drunk driving accidents every day. The good news is that the number has fallen by a third in the last three decades, but drunk driving accidents still claim more than 10,000 lives per year.

At the legal limit of .08 BAC (which is the drunk driving standard in most states), the NHTSA reports that a driver’s muscle coordination becomes poor, including reaction time. It’s also harder for the driver to detect danger, which includes a loss in concentration and reduced information processing capability. 

Go Home Safe: Free and Cheap Rides for Drunk Drivers

Free Rides 

After a night out, making the responsible choice to avoid driving under the influence is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Whether you’re looking for a free ride, taking advantage of promotions from popular rideshare apps, or relying on the support of a designated driver, these solutions are designed to prevent impaired driving and its serious consequences. 

  • Uber – If you’ve never used Uber before, sign up and you get up to $10 towards a free ride.
  • Lyft – Similar to Uber, new users can get up to $10 towards a free ride.
  • Designated Driver – The original, tried and true choice. When going out with a group, establish a non-drinker to get you all home safely. Many communities offer designated driver programs, encouraging groups to choose a sober friend before heading out.
  • Holiday Services – Depending on where you live, there are occasionally free rides offered to intoxicated drivers. For example, in 2018 on New Year’s Eve, AAA offered free rides in a handful of states. Other cities/states have similar programs for holidays. Check out what’s offered in your area.

Cheap Rides for Drunk Drivers

While free and affordable ride programs are valuable tools in the fight against impaired driving, they are not the only options available for those who have consumed alcohol and need to get home safely. 

  • AAA Sober Transportation – Across the country, AAA will send a driver out to drive you and your car home. Rates vary by location. Call them at 877-394-4567.
  • Public Transport – Often cheaper than a cab or rideshare. Public transportation is another alternative. Although transit systems may not be as extensive and depend on which state you live, check for bus services that operate late into the evening. 
  • Tell “Siri,” “Alexa”, etc. – If you tell your phone you are drunk, it will call a cab for you.

Other Options

Some bars and restaurants participate in safe ride initiatives, providing patrons with complimentary transportation when needed.

Additionally, friends and family can play an essential role. Reaching out for help, even if it feels inconvenient, may be the safest choice. 

Sometimes, staying overnight at a trusted location is preferable to risking a drive home. 

Ultimately, planning ahead, by arranging transportation before the night begins, remains one of the most effective strategies to prevent impaired driving.

Legal Consequences for Drunk Driving

No matter if it’s going to cost you a little money or not, getting a ride is always the best option. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that carries far-reaching legal consequences.

Across the United States, law enforcement and courts treat impaired driving as a major public safety threat. Anyone arrested for driving while intoxicated may face charges, such as:

  • DUI/DWI Charge: Convictions can result in steep fines, jail time, mandatory community service, and court-ordered alcohol education or treatment programs.
  • Driver’s License Suspension: In many states, even a first-time DUI can lead to a suspended driver’s license for several months, making it difficult to get to work or meet family obligations. 
  • Ignition Interlock Device Installation: Some states require the installation of ignition interlock devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
  • Civil Liability: Drunk drivers are exposed to significant civil liability. If an impaired driver causes a crash that results in injury or property damage, they can be held financially responsible through personal injury lawsuits. Victims have the right to seek compensation for losses related to the crash. In severe cases, courts may also award punitive damages to further deter dangerous behavior.

A drunk driving conviction can have lasting consequences on employment opportunities, professional licenses, and personal reputation. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of making responsible decisions and highlights why choosing a safe ride home is always the best option.

Drunk Driving Accidents and Injuries

The decision to drive under the influence can have devastating consequences for everyone involved, not only legally but also physically and financially. 

Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reflexes, and diminishes the ability to operate a vehicle safely. As a result, accidents involving impaired drivers are far more likely to cause severe harm. 

Victims of these crashes may suffer from injuries, such as: 

  • Bruises
  • Bone Fractures 
  • Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Damage
  • Internal Organ Injuries

Beyond the physical pain, victims often face significant mental and emotional trauma. Recovery can involve extensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. 

In many cases, injuries prevent individuals from returning to work, leading to financial strain due to lost wages and mounting medical expenses. The ripple effects of a single drunk driving accident can impact not only the injured party but also their families, who must adapt to new caregiving responsibilities and lifestyle changes.

The aftermath of these incidents underscores the importance of making responsible choices before getting behind the wheel. Choosing a safe alternative for drunk drivers can mean the difference between an enjoyable evening and a lifetime of hardship.

Fatalities in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is one of the leading factors in fatal traffic accidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,429 people died in 2023 due to crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. These fatalities represent not only lost lives but also shattered families and grieving communities.

The consequences are staggering. Fatal drunk driving accidents often claim the lives of young adults, children, and innocent bystanders who simply happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

In many instances, the individual responsible for the crash also suffers fatal injuries, creating a tragic situation for multiple families. The emotional pain, combined with the unexpected costs associated with funeral arrangements, loss of household income, and psychological support for surviving loved ones, is a burden no family should bear.

These tragedies are entirely preventable. Every impaired driving fatality is a stark reminder of the importance of choosing safe alternatives and supporting measures that keep intoxicated drivers off the road. Public awareness campaigns, increased law enforcement patrols, and readily available ride services all play a role in saving lives and reducing fatalities.

Seek a Car Accident and Injury Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident 

Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated simply isn’t worth it. Put your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of everyone else on the road first by getting a ride.

The consequences of a drunk driving crash extend far beyond the initial impact. When injuries or fatalities occur, victims and their families are left facing a host of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Recovering from such an event can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies, legal paperwork, and the uncertainty of the future.

Seeking legal help from a car accident and injury lawyer is a critical step for those affected by an impaired driving incident. An experienced accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected and that they receive the full support they deserve during a difficult time. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you deserve legal help and fair compensation. 

Give the experienced attorneys of Craig Swapp & Associates a call at 1-866-316-5712 or fill out our online contact form. You can speak with one of our attorneys and set up a consultation completely free of charge.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp