DUI task force program in Tacoma kicks off this weekend!
Bar hoppers heading out this Saturday night in Tacoma will have help scoring a taxi ride home if they’ve had too much to drink. This idea is sponsored by the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force and four participating companies: Fair Fares, JR Cab along, Aloha and Alien car service companies. So how does it work?
Taxis will be available in the heart of the popular nightclub area on Pine Street and 6th Avenue. There will be volunteers wearing white baseball hats marked with their logo, “Chose your Ride.” They will be giving out free taxi vouchers or help dispatching a $10 flat-rate taxi anywhere within the City of limits of Seattle.
The purpose of this program is to “offer the chance to get a ride home within the city for nothing,” said John Cheesman, Chief of the Fircrest Police Department and chairman the Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force.
Personally I think this is a great idea to help reduce the number of DUI related incidents in Washington State. Obviously something like this would not be feasible over the long haul due to the cost involved, as well as the lost revenue of the participating companies. But it is a great way to help create awareness about drinking and driving, and hopefully help prevent something from getting behind the wheel after they have had too much to drink.
It is a shame that this program is only going on in Tacoma. As a resident of Seattle, I think this would be a great idea to have over here. With all the different neighborhoods like Belltown, Fremont, Ballard, Eastlake, and Capital Hill. There would be plenty of places to involve to help reduce DUIs in Seattle.
Even if you think you’re being a responsible drinker, I have news for you. I’m a DUI lawyer in Seattle and I’m here to tell you there is no legal limit anymore. You can get charged with a DUI with any amount of alcohol in your system. So if you have that glass of wine at dinner, or that beer after work please be careful. The Seattle Police is really cracking down on drinking and driving.
I have seen DUI’s as low as .03. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being investigated for DUI. Please keep in mind three things. 1. Be Police. 2. Ask to speak with an attorney before you take any tests. 3. Exercise your right to remain silent.
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Matthew Leyba is the owner of Leyba Defense PLLC. A DUI law firm located in Seattle. His practice focuses on representing those charged with DUI and other traffic related offenses. You can contact him at matthew@leyba-defense.com.