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. 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. 

Free

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.

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

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.

Tell “Siri”, “Alexa”, etc. – If you tell your phone you are drunk, it will call a cab for you.

It’s Always Cheaper than the Potential Alternatives

No matter if it’s going to cost you a little money or not, getting a ride is always the best option. If you decide to get behind the wheel you are risking:

  • A night in jail, or more, up to 6 months for first-time offenders in some states
  • A large fine, up to $10,000 for first-time offenders in some states
  • Serious injury or death
  • A criminal record
  • The lifelong guilt from injuring or killing someone else

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 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 drivers 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. 

Safety First

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.

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 1-800-404-9000. You can speak with our specialists, and set up a consultation completely free of charge.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp