CITY POLICE TO OFFER FREE RIDE HOME ON ST. PATRICK’S PARADE DAY

for more information:
Ernie Slottag 789-2235

The St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin with the weekend parade in downtown Springfield starting at noon. The Springfield Police Department reminds revelers to not rely on the Luck o’ the Irish when it comes to driving home if you have celebrated a little too hardily.

The City will be providing free cab rides home on Saturday, March 13^th, to those who may become too impaired to drive. If your celebration includes alcohol and you do not have a designated driver, the Springfield Police Department will provide one for you at no cost.

Two local cab companies are working in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department to insure that you arrive home safe after a night on the town. Lincoln Yellow Cab or World Peace Cab can be called by local bartenders to arrange for free rides home. The hours of eligibility are from 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13^th to 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 14^th. The program is being funded through an Illinois Department of Transportation grant.

Last year local cab companies provided 289 free rides home at a cost of $2,674. It was the city’s goal to eliminate drunk drivers and the resultant crashes from roadways during this period of celebration. During the time of the free rides, Springfield Police handled only four motor vehicle crashes, none of which resulted in injury. Four DUI arrests were made during this same time period, three of which were involved in crashes.

The Springfield Police Department will be out enforcing the DUI laws again this year by adding DUI patrols and checkpoints to keep this weekend safe. The goal is for everyone to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day.