Operation Safe Ride Returns New Year's Eve in Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The Woodstock Police Department will offer its popular Operation Safe Ride initiative to those who party a little too hard on New Year's Eve.

Officers will provide free rides home to patrons at local bars "who may be impaired or feel that they are unsafe to drive,m" the agency said.

Any person in need of a ride must be at an alcohol-serving establishment within the incorporated limits of Woodstock and must live within a reasonable distance of Woodstock. Once again, Neese Towing has joined the operation and will be offering to tow vehicles to homes free of charge.

Now in its eighth year, this operation has provided more than 300 rides home and has saved an uncountable number of lives, the agency adds.

Woodstock police utilizes its 15 passenger van and two officers to drive people home.

“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," says Capt. Kevin Culpepper, 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 404-740-4502.

The operation will run from 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Image via Woodstock Police Department