AJ News

SCRANTON – The Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, in cooperation with the Joseph J. Lupini Family, local taxi companies and the Lackawanna County Tavern Association, will offer the Lackawanna County Safe Ride Program from December 15 through January 1, 2009.

The program is an effort to reduce deaths and injuries from drunk driving during the holidays by keeping impaired drivers off the road. Last year, 12,998 people were killed on the nation’s roads in alcohol-related crashes, with the maximum number of deaths occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

The Commission invites local taverns, restaurants, clubs, and organizations holding liquor licenses in Lackawanna County to participate.  Last year, 151 joined in the effort. Participating tavern owners train their staff about the program, post Safe Ride signs and issue Safe Ride taxi vouchers. Establishments can obtain Safe Ride materials by calling 963-6920.

Those seeking a safe ride home, within a 15 mile radius in Lackawanna County, only need to notify the beverage server in establishments where Safe Ride posters are prominently displayed.  All riders will remain anonymous. The Joseph J. Lupini Family will reimburse the cab companies for the rides.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,491 people in Pennsylvania were killed in 2007 in alcohol-related crashes. To prevent further deaths, the Joseph J. Lupini Family is funding the safe rides in memory of Joseph, the first crash victim on the Casey Highway and a DUI fatality.

For additional information, contact Michele Smith, Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Special Projects Manager, at 963-6820