BEAUMONT — Officer Haley Morrow with the Beaumont Police Department said they see an increase in calls during the holidays, especially on New Years Eve. To avoid starting the year off behind bars, or worse, Morrow suggests planning a safe ride ahead.
"It's a holiday, people want to celebrate, we completely understand that. We ask that you plan ahead, if you know that you're going to be going out, partaking in alcohol consumption, please get a ride. Either have a designated driver, have a friend you can call, we have Ubers, we have taxis here in the city so don't start off the New Year in handcuffs or worse," said Morrow.
Atom Hunter has driven for Uber for over three years. He said New Years Eve and Halloween are their biggest nights.
"It helps people get around safely and specifically, like tonight, a lot of people are going to be drinking, if I'm driving I'm not going to be drinking," said Hunter.
He said Uber is his first choice when he finds himself in need of a ride. Uber drivers are rated after each ride, giving people the reassurance that their driver will be held accountable.
"We tend to be, I guess, more available than Taxi cabs are because sometimes it takes a little while to get to you, and the way the system works it goes by the closest driver to you," said Hunter.
Hunter said for those in need of a ride tonight, it's best to have the app downloaded ahead of time. First time riders can get a promo code from friends with the app to get their first ride free. The app is also free to download.
Morrow explained that buzzed driving is drunk driving, and the police department doesn't want to see another accident. She said in the world of technology and cell phones it's easy to work around having to get behind the wheel, and suggests taking advantage of the options that are out there.
"You can easily work around having to get behind the wheel, that is a choice that people make, a lot of people think they're okay, of course, when you consume alcohol your inhibitions are lowered, decision making ability is lowered, don't take that chance," said Morrow.
Morrow said in the past they've had an officer killed in the line of duty because of a drunk driver, and that they see several fatalities around the holidays. Numbers also increase for DWI and crashes that involve people that are intoxicated.
Morrow also reminds that walking home isn't a safe option. She said being intoxicated near a roadway can also be very dangerous, so it's best to call someone and avoid becoming a victim, or being the actor in causing the loss of another life.
Morrow said they will have an increase in officers on the road for the enforcement of DWI's, seatbelts, and controlling speed. They do this through a grant program through the state called STEP. The Department of Public Safety will also work alongside the police department to help control the increase in people out on the roadways and keep people safe.
Morrow reminds residents that fireworks are illegal to pop inside the city. The use of celebratory gun fire is also illegal within city limits. Morrow said rounds that go up, must come down, and could (and have in the past) hit people.
"We don't want someone making a decision that could affect the rest of their lives, and especially hurt someone," said Morrow.
MORE | Safe driving options:
1. Uber
For first time riders, you can get a free ride up to $18 by entering the code "MILLERTIME18".
2. Lyft
3. AAA
Their ride program will start at 6 p.m. and end at 6 a.m.
For more information call (800) 222-4357, 855-2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246.
4. La Uno Taxi
(409) 460-0835
Starting rate: $2 dollars/ mile
5. King Cab
(409) 242-8136
Starting rate: $2.50/mile
They have a flat rate for those going out of town, are open 24/7, and reservations are available.
6. Blacc Diamond Transport
(409) 600-0540
Starting rate: $2/mile
Running all night