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Owensboro Begins SafeRide Program to Cut DUIs

Toni Blay, Flickr Commons

An effort is underway in Owensboro to help prevent drunk driving. 

A program called SafeRide provides free rides to people who have consumed too much alcohol at restaurants and bars, or any venue that serves alcoholic beverages. 

One of the architects of the program is City Commissioner Bob Glenn who says the service is needed in Owensboro, which is home to four colleges.

“We have lots of young people who do things young people do, we have a growing convention center. We have literally now thousands of guests every weekend and every week to events where alcohol is served and we’re a city that has a lot of festivals where alcohol is served.” 

Glenn recalls a personal encounter with a drunk driver.

“Recently I was on a ride-along with an officer and we had a car swerve into our lane and the officer turned around and caught the individual parked near his home and he was extremely intoxicated.”  

Businesses can purchase $10 vouchers that can be given out to customers who are intoxicated.  The vouchers can be used for a cab ride home free of charge to the customer. 

The city is partnering with Yellow Cab, but hopes to add other taxi companies and a limo service in the future. 

The program is funded through voucher sales and private donations. 

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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