Sweeney Merrigan Law Giving Away Free Rides for Pledging Against Drunk Driving This New Years

The danger of drunk driving in the United States is nothing new. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,076 people died in alcohol related crashes in the United States in 2013 with thousands more injured. In addition to the tragic loss of life, it’s estimated that drunk driving costs the United States hundreds of billions of dollars each year in terms of emergency services, medical charges, legal fees, and lost productivity.

Depending on where you live however, drunk driving may not be getting the attention it deserves. For example, a 2013 report by the Boston Globe found that drunk driving arrests happen at a disproportionately low rate in Boston when compared to other large metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, or Denver. For example, in 2012, Boston police only made 241 drunken driving arrests as compared to Denver police who made over 3,000.

While the Boston police say that arrest levels are low due to available public transportation and the city’s walkable nature, former Boston police lieutenant, Thomas Nolan, was quoted saying that drunk driving is seen as a secondary priority that takes the police force away from more important duties.

Even if drunk driving isn’t a top priority for everyone, this New Years, the local Boston injury lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan Law are doing their part to make a difference. They have purchased $5000 in Lyft credit to front the bill for sober rides in an effort to cut down on the number of drunk driving accidents on Boston roads this holiday season.

Through their Sober Ride Home Program, the firm is offering free $15 credits for 333 rides in Boston. By simply visiting the webpage and completing the quick pledge online, users will receive an individual code worth $15 that can be applied towards any ride in the greater Boston area. This should cover most rides within the city.

“One case where someone is injured due to drunk driving is one too many,” says founding partner Tucker Merrigan. “Our practice is devoted to keeping our community safe and we feel we are simply doing our part to raise awareness and ensure everyone a healthy and happy start to 2016.”

Boston First Night/Day celebrations attract over one million people to the city, which only emphasizes the need for safe decision making. Especially during the holidays, where celebration and drinking are often paired together, choosing to take a Lyft instead of getting behind the wheel might just save a life.

According to the webpage, the codes are set to go live tomorrow, December 30th. So do your part to raise awareness and take a stand against drunk driving this New Years to get rewarded with a free ride!