CALABASAS : Free Rides Offered to Curb Drunk Driving
In an effort to combat drunk driving, Calabasas’ Dial-A-Ride program for senior citizens will offer free service to restaurant and bar patrons and teen-agers who want a safe ride home from parties or other situations, starting today.
The 24-hour-a-day program will offer free rides home from any point in Calabasas or the surrounding area.
“Basically, we just want to get drunk people off the road,” Calabasas Community Services Director Greg Johnson said. “Even though our program is really for Calabasas residents, if someone calls from a bar in the West Valley and they feel they shouldn’t be driving, we’ll go get them.”
Johnson said the city plans to distribute cards with a toll-free phone number for the service at bars and restaurants in the city, and at area schools when classes resume. The number is (800) 794-1222.
“We don’t want to encourage teen drinking, but if a teen is in an uncomfortable situation--under the influence of something or with someone who’s under the influence of something--we hope they’ll call,” Johnson said. “We’re not going to ask a lot of questions, just take them home.”
The Dial-A-Ride program, which was set up to take senior citizens to and from shopping areas, medical centers and other spots, is funded by Los Angeles County bond money.
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