'CHOOSE YOUR RIDE' In Santa Cruz Co. This Holiday

From The County of Santa Cruz: The County of Santa Cruz is proud to partner with 69 local restaurants and bars in our collective efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents in the holiday season. Businesses participating in the CHOOSE YOUR RIDE campaign are committed to a safe and healthy Santa Cruz County. CHOOSE YOUR RIDE coasters and cards are available at participating businesses to remind patrons to have a plan to get home safely by designating a driver, taking a cab, or using a rideshare service. Additionally, many of these businesses are offering special holiday promotions to patrons with designated drivers. Promotions vary, but include complimentary, discounted, or buy-one-get-one free offers upon mention of the CHOOSE YOUR RIDE campaign at the participating restaurants and bars listed below.

According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Cruz County reported 213 alcohol related collisions resulting in fatalities or injuries in 2015, and alcohol related collisions increase during the holidays. Results from the Santa Cruz County Place of Last Drink Study indicates that 47% of individuals convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) had their last drink at a bar, restaurant or club. The County of Santa Cruz urges the community to remember that driving under the influence is not limited to the influence of alcohol, but includes cannabis, prescription medications, and illicit substances. The California Highway Patrol- Santa Cruz Area will enter a maximum enforcement period over Christmas and New Year, with roving DUI units and a DUI checkpoint on New Year’s Eve.

CHOOSE YOUR RIDE partners want to thank our community for driving and celebrating safely this holiday season. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For additional information, please contact the County of Santa Cruz at (831) 454-5004.

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