TAXI RIDES TO PREVENT DUI AREN’T JUST FOR HOLIDAYS

Cab companies team up with law enforcement and local government to provide rides year-round for buzzed drivers.

Salt Lake City, March 11, 2008 – Spring break, warm weather, outdoor get-togethers – all are reasons to celebrate. When celebration leads to intoxication, a taxi ride may be the safest ride. City Cab and Yellow Cab companies that serve the Salt Lake metro area have teamed up with the Salt Lake and Davis County Multi-Agency Task Forces, the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office and the Utah Highway Patrol to remind drivers that if they are “buzzed,” they can get a safe ride home any time of the year.

On March 13, a public awareness campaign will be launched to alert the public of the dangers of driving under the influence and let folks know that they have an easy alternative to driving intoxicated: taking a cab.

Cabs will be on display sporting bumper stickers and a sign on the roof that convey such messages as “If you get a buzz, give me one” (promoting a simple call). A meter topper reads, “A DUI could cost you 100 times this much.” Police cars and motorcycles will be parked next to the cabs to emphasize the partnership of the anti-DUI effort.

• When: Thursday, March 13, 2008, 10 a.m.

• Where: Salt Lake City and County Building, 451 S. State St.; east steps, outside. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Council Work Room, 3rd floor room 315.

• Speakers: Karen Hale, Director of Communications, Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office

• Chief Chris Burbank, Salt Lake City Chief of Police

• Don Barron, Owner of Yellow Cab

• Dave Jackson, Owner of City Cab Co.

The Drunk Driving – Over the Limit Under Arrest campaign provides the resources necessary to help Utah communities take action to keep their streets DUI-free. Research shows that impaired driving is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest crimes. This media campaign is marshalling the messages and resources of all affected agencies and parties to alert and educate citizens and community officials to the need to eliminate driving under the influence in Utah.