The Mesquite Police Department has launched a free ride program to combat drunk driving.
“Together, we can make a difference and help prevent impaired driving in our community,” the department posted.
Get A Ride
The program, “Get A Ride,” offers up to two free Lyft rides to residents who have had too much to drink. The department is partnering with Lyft, the Mesquite Police Association, local restaurants, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“We understand no one plans to become too impaired to drive. Sometimes, it only takes a couple of drinks for someone to cross that line,” the department posted. “That’s why we’re offering a solution.”
Mesquite police are asking businesses to display “Get A Ride” posters and coasters for their customers. The department also asked members of the public to donate.
“We plan to continue this life-saving program for at least one year, and with your support, hopefully longer,” the department wrote. “Every dollar helps us keep this program running.”
The Impact – The Response
Drunk driving killed 511 people during Labor Day weekend in 2023, and drunk driving deaths during that time have increased by 33% across America since 2019. In 2023, nearly 12,500 people died as a result of drunk driving.
In an effort to curb this trend, police across DFW are joining MADD for “Saturation Saturday,” increasing drunk driving enforcement on August 23. Participating local departments include Corinth, Denton, Grapevine, Lake Worth, The Colony, and White Settlement.
The Denton Police Department held a press briefing on August 21 with MADD and partner agencies. “Our officers will join agencies across the nation in high-visibility DWI enforcement,” Denton police posted. “The goal is simple: zero impaired crashes, zero tragedies.”
Officials told residents to plan ahead. If they are intoxicated, they should use a sober driver, rideshare, or public transit. Residents should “never let someone drive impaired,” and should host events “responsibly.” If anyone sees “dangerous or impaired” driving, they should call 911.
A Corinth police officer also attended the briefing, with the Corinth Police Department indicating that officers will be “out in full force” on Saturday. The Colony police will also be increasing patrols.
Lake Worth police are taking a similar approach, increasing “highly visible” patrols specifically during the evening.
“While our focus is on safety, our promise is firm: if you choose to drive under the influence, you will be stopped, and you will be arrested,” the Lake Worth Police Department posted. “Our officers will use every tool available to them, enforcing the law with fairness but without hesitation.”
White Settlement police also joined the press conference. The department has “several upcoming” enforcement strategies, with a drug recognition expert assigned to the patrol division.
The Grapevine Police Department warned residents that their choices could mean the difference between life and death.
“We urge all community members to plan ahead. If you intend to drink, please use a designated driver, carpool, or a rideshare service,” the Grapevine Police Department posted. “Impaired driving is preventable.”