FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 29, 2008

CONTACTS: Chris Colemon
512-762-5594

Alonzo "Al" Reyes
Lieutenant Constable Pct. 3
512-854-2104 (office)
512-586-4626 (wireless)

soberRide^TM Program Offered during Cinco de Mayo Holiday to Deter Drunk Driving

Austin, TX -- Continuing in their campaign to reduce the tragic consequences of drunk driving, the Austin soberRide coalition will be offering free cab rides during the Cinco de Mayo holiday.
The soberRideä program will operate from 9:00 pm to 3:00 a.m. beginning Saturday, May 3 and running through Monday, May 5, 2008, as a way to keep citizens safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday period. During this time period, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may call soberRideä at 657-2999 and receive a free cab ride home (up to a $30 fare).
Since the launch of the Austin soberRide coalition, more than 2200 FREE cab rides home were provided to would-be drunk drivers during designated holidays.
“I urge anyone celebrating the Cinco de Mayo holiday to first stay safe and if you choose to consume alcohol to do so responsibly,” said Captain Robert Saenz of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. “If you can’t do this, then don’t get behind the wheel and drive, call soberRide.”
“Not only are we encouraging citizens to think twice about getting in their vehicles if they’ve had too much to drink, we’re urging all the establishments serving alcohol to look to soberRide as a resource for them as well,” Captain Saenz said.
More information on the program is available at www.austinsoberride.com . The Cinco de Mayo soberRideä program is possible through the financial support and sponsorship of Brown Distributing Company/Budweiser. Yellow Cab is also aiding the soberRideä effort by generously discounting each soberRideä cab ride provided.
Other partners in Austin soberRideä include Austin Police Department, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Travis County Attorney’s Underage Drinking Prevention Program, Travis County Constable’s Office, Precinct Three, and AT&T Wireless.

 

CONTACT:
Diann Hodges
512-478-9353 (office)
512-748-3889 (wireless)

CELEBRATE THE BIG GAME ON SUNDAY WITH SOBERRIDE
Budweiser Sponsors Ongoing Effort to Deter Drunk Driving in Austin

AUSTIN, TX – As football fans across the country tune in to cheer on their favored team at a private party or local sports bar this Sunday, it’s important to make responsible celebrations a part of your winning game plan.

The soberRideä program will operate during the hours of 7:00 pm to 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 3rd, as a way to keep Austinites safe from impaired drivers. During these hours of operation, area residents age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may call soberRideä at 657-2999 and receive a free cab ride home (up to a $30 fare.)
Since the launch of the Austin soberRide coalition, more than 2200 FREE cab rides home have been provided to would be drunk drivers during designated holidays.
“We want people to remember that responsibility matters,” said Diann Hodges, Alcohol Awareness Director for Brown Distributing/Budweiser and President of soberRideä. “That’s why we ask football fans to plan ahead before their celebrations and use a designated driver, or call soberRideä if you have had too much to drink.”
There is another reason to consider using soberRide however. “The Austin Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be out in force, looking for people who have had too much to drink,” said TABC Lt. Jimmy Zuehlke. “It’s in your best interest to take the free ride home offered by soberRide, than the expensive ride in the back of a patrol car.”
The Super bowl soberRideä program is possible through the financial support and sponsorship of Brown Distributing/Budweiser. Other Austin soberRideä partners include American Yellow Checker Cab, AT&T Wireless, Austin Police Department, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention Program and the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.

 

CONTACT:
Diann Hodges
512-583-6729 (office)
512-748-3889 (wireless)

SOBERRIDE LAUNCHES WEBSITE, ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 2007

Austin, Texas – Celebrating its fifth year in operation, SoberRideä is launching a website, just in time for the New Year’s holiday. At www.austinsoberride.com Austinites can find out the hours and dates of operation, history, sponsors, and soon, will be able to make tax-deductible donations to the free cab ride home program.

SoberRideä will operate during the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Monday, December 31, 2007 as a way to keep Central Texas safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk, holiday period. Area residents, age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol, may call soberRideä at 657-2999 and receive a free cab ride home (up to a $30 fare.)

Traditionally, more than 50,000 people head downtown to ring in the New Year. TABC’s Captain Robert Saenz says the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will have extra agents out looking for those who are a danger to themselves or to others. “That’s why it is important to plan ahead this holiday, and either designate a driver or call soberRideä,” Saenz says.

Budweiser is soberRide’s presenting sponsor and coalition members include: Austin Police Department, TABC, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention Program, Texas Department of Public Safety, Yellow Cab and AT&T Wireless.

Since it’s launch in 2002, Austin soberRideähas given out more than 2200 FREE cab rides home to would be drunk drivers during designated holidays.

Media Advisory: December 21, 2007
Metro/feature reporters; photographers:
Great Photo/Interview Opportunities

CONTACT:
Diann Hodges
512-583-6729 (office)
512-748-3889 (wireless)

NEW ELEMENTS UNVEILED FOR UPCOMING NEW YEAR’S EVE PROGRAM

Media Conference to Announce Holiday Program

When: Friday, December 28, 2007 at 10 :00 a.m.

Where: Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos Street

What: New Year’s Eve means ringing in the 2008 with great parties and great friends. In an effort to make sure Revelers make it home safely, soberRideTM is offering free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers. During the news conference, Austin soberRideTM will announce the hours of operation and a new website.
The New Year’s Eve soberRideTM program is possible through the financial support and sponsorship of Budweiser. Other partners in Austin soberRideTM include Austin Police Dept., Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, American Yellow Cab Co., AT&T Wireless, Texas Dept. of Public Safety and Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention Program.
Why: To keep Austin residents safe from drunk drivers.