Woodstock Police Giving Free Rides Home On New Year's Eve

WOODSTOCK, GA — The Woodstock Police Department is hosting its 12th year of providing safe rides home on New Year’s Eve, already exceeding 400 safe rides home. The department initiative, “Operation Safe Ride,” provides free rides home to patrons of local alcohol serving establishments who may be impaired or feel they are unsafe to drive.

Anyone in need of a ride must be within the incorporated limits of Woodstock and must live within a reasonable distance of Woodstock. The department will be utilizing its 15-passenger van to provide rides home.

The department has Neese Towing as a partner again this year. Neese Towing will be offering tows home in conjunction with the event – free of charge.

“The main reason for this operation is to ensure that residents can celebrate the holiday, but not endanger the lives of others by driving impaired,” said Cpt. Mark Hand, Field Operations Division Commander. “The officers enjoy interacting with all of the residents and meeting new people. It is a way for us to get out in the community while making the streets of Woodstock safer.

Anyone interested in a ride home on New Year’s Eve can make arrangements by calling the officers directly at 404-740-4502. The initiative will run from 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 2 a.m. New Year’s Day. Masks are strongly encouraged inside the vehicle.

This annual initiative is in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.