4TH OF JULY TIPSY? TAXI! CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE DRUNK-DRIVING ON MARYLAND’S ROADS
Anti-Drunk Driving Program Has Provided More Than 700 Free Cab Rides Since 2006 on Selected Holidays
TOWSON, MD (Thursday, June 26, 2008) – Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown, AAA Mid-Atlantic, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration and Yellow Cab announced the third Annual 4th of July Tipsy?Taxi! Campaign this morning at Baltimore’s Hard Rock Café. The joint project, which began in 2006, is designed to combat drunk driving, especially on holidays that are associated with excessive alcohol-consumption.
The initiative will begin on Thursday, July 3rd from 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m., and will continue on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th from 4:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. The program will provide a free taxi ride to those at least 21 years old, who have been drinking at a restaurant or bar in Baltimore City.
Those wishing to utilize the service must call 1-877-963-TAXI and Yellow Cab will provide a safe and free ride (up to $50.00) home within the Baltimore metropolitan area. Balances exceeding $50.00 must be paid for by the occupant. Dwight Kines, General Manager of Yellow Cab stated, “We are pleased to be a part of the Tipsy?Taxi! Campaign once again. It is Yellow Cab’s way of helping keep our community safe, while providing a choice to those who have been drinking and keeping them off of the roads.”
“One of the simplest ways for a person to prevent tragedy on our roads is to refrain from driving drunk,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown. “There’s absolutely no excuse for it -- especially when there’s a free ride readily available.”
“Tragically, every year hundreds of Americans are killed on our nation’s roads, as we celebrate Independence Day. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented if people stopped to think before they made an irresponsible decision,” stated Ragina C. Averella, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Despite all of the awareness and attention that is given to drunk and drugged driving, too many people still fail to understand the dangers associated with this reckless behavior and lives are being lost every day, as a result,” Averella added.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 659 traffic related fatalities over the 4th of July holiday in 2006. Of that number, 37 % involved a motorist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Tipsy?Taxi! has been very well-received and has provided more than 700 free cab rides on various holidays since the program’s inception. Last year, 103 free rides were provided over the Fourth of July holiday through the Tipsy?Taxi! Campaign.
Following this morning’s announcement, Public Safety Guides with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore Inner Harbor Police and officials from the Maryland State Highway Administration and AAA Mid-Atlantic visited bars and restaurants in Downtown Baltimore, Federal Hill and Canton to distribute Tipsy?Taxi! information.
“Thanks to AAA and Yellow Cab for partnering with the O’Malley Administration to provide more options and prevent tragedies,” said State Highway Administrator Neil J. Pedersen, the Governor’s highway safety representative. “Many lives can be saved if people who choose to celebrate Independence Day with alcohol also Choose Safety for Life and call 1-877-963-TAXI instead of driving.”
“As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we are encouraging everyone to designate a sober driver before their parties begin and if you are celebrating in Baltimore, by all means take advantage of the Tipsy? Taxi! Program,” added Averella.
Those enjoying 4th of July festivities in a Baltimore bar or restaurant this weekend are encouraged to call 1-877-963-TAXI for a safe and free cab ride home.
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