ArriveSafe offers free cab rides through holiday season

The ArriveSafe program will provide free cab rides home over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to deter people from driving under the influence.

Those residing in Montgomery County won't have to worry about arriving home safely after holiday parties -- and haven't since the program was initiated in December of 2007.

Residents can call 937-449-9999 to get a free cab ride for up to a $50 fare.

ArriveSafe has provided nearly 7,500 rides since the service began 12 years ago, and with the unabating support of Heidelberg Distributing Company, KeyAds and AAA Miami Valley, the program has continued to keep the Montgomery community safe during Christmas and New Years.

The holiday season, more than any other time of year, brings higher likelihood of being involved in an accident due to an impaired driver. These chances increase by 34%. Through Christmas and the New Year, 40% of traffic deaths involve drunk drivers.

"You decide. Do you want to go home safely in the back of a cab, or go to jail, handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser?" Montogomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck said in a written statement. "A simple decision."

ArriveSafe will be offering free cab rides starting noon on Christmas Eve to Dec. 26 at 6 a.m. The ride service will pick back up noon, Dec. 31 and conclude Jan. 2 at 6 a.m.