Safe Ride KY Coalition Reports Successful Holiday Campaign Targeting Drunk Drivers

For immediate release – January 11, 2018

FRANKFORT, Ky – The new Safe Ride KY coalition took more than 700 potentially impaired drivers off Kentucky roadways during its first holiday campaign, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association reported today.

The program offered $20 discounts on rides through Lyft and CityScoot services between Dec. 15, 2017, and Jan. 1 using the code “SAFERIDEKY17.” All codes were quickly claimed, KDA President Eric Gregory said, with a total of 708 rides completed.

“That’s a lot of people who made the intentional choice not to drink and drive,” Gregory said. “Plus, the program attracted more than 60 new users for the Lyft and CityScoot services, which clearly demonstrates a responsible, willing behavioral change in our communities.”

Lyft Marketing Lead Chris Kaltreider agreed.

“This was a very successful campaign, particularly in its first offering,” he said.

The KDA launched the campaign and coalition of public, private and non-profit entities as part of its increased commitment to end impaired driving. The group includes the KDA, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky, and Smart Start Inc.

The campaign – titled “This one’s on us”– also supports education and enforcement programs run by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and the Louisville Metro Police Department, such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“We appreciate Safe Ride KY’s effort to complement our ongoing activities to reduce impaired driving,” said Dr. Noelle Hunter, Executive Director of Kentucky’s Office of Highway Safety. “It’s a strategy that works and a partnership we’re pleased to continue.”

Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Information Officer Lamont Washington said, “Citizens making it home safely is a priority for all our officers. We support Safe Ride KY, as well as all ride alternative services, ensuring a safe celebration for adults.”

Kentuckians can expect more safe ride discount offerings in 2018 as the coalition re-launches the program on other high-traffic holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Halloween.

The coalition is currently seeking additional partners to help supply funding and grow the program,” Gregory said. Interested individuals and organizations can visit www.saferideky.com to learn more.

“This was a great team effort,” Gregory said. “No one can end impaired driving alone.”

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For more information, contact Ali Edelstein at (502) 424-5841.

About the KDA:

The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. For more information about joining the KDA’s distilling family, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT™, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION®, and KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL OFFICIAL SPONSOR® and associated designs and logos are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Please enjoy our Bourbon and distilled spirits like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.

About the Kentucky Guild of Brewers:

The Kentucky Guild of Brewers (KGB) exists to pursue the following objectives: to act as a singular voice and advocate for the Kentucky brewing industry in all pertinent matters of legislation and governmental administration; to evenly promote all member breweries through the organization of events and publication of media; and to amalgamate the knowledge of member breweries. The Guild is organized and operated exclusively for nonprofit purposes.

About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky:

Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky has proudly represented Kentucky’s wholesale distributors of distilled sprits and wine products since 1934. Its member wholesalers sell and deliver spirits and wine products to beverage alcohol retailers statewide, and promote the responsible use of those products.