Wildcat Coalition Delivers 675 Safe Rides On Game Day

University of Kentucky Police Report Zero Game-Related DUIs

For Immediate Release – November 8, 2018

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A local coalition delivered 675 safe rides throughout Lexington last Saturday around UK’s battle against the Georgia Bulldogs, removing nearly 50 potentially impaired drivers every hour from Fayette County roadways.

“That’s a lot of people who made the intentional choice not to drink and drive,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which coordinated the effort. “Thanks to the fans who participated and all the partners who funded the program. We’re obviously thrilled with the results.”

The campaign was sponsored by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, University of Kentucky, Keeneland, UK HealthCare, VisitLex, the Coalition of Ignition Interlock Manufacturers, Maker’s Mark and Brown-Forman, and included a matching investment from the national on-demand transportation provider Lyft.

In total, $20,000 worth of safe ride discounts were offered to fans of legal drinking age who entered the code “CATURDAY” in the Lyft app and ordered rides to and from the game, area bars or restaurants, hotels or local watch parties. The promotion ran from noon to 2 a.m.

UK Police Chief Joseph Monroe said there were no game-related DUIs, suggesting that the safe ride service played a key role in preventing drunk driving. “We applaud the fundraising efforts of our partners and participation in the safe ride program that was well utilized  by our fans,” he said.

“A collaborative partnership such as this one that places a focus on prevention leads to a safer campus and a safer Commonwealth.”

Jake Darby, Lyft General Manager for Early Stage Markets, said, “We are proud to work with groups like the Wildcat Coalition to offer reliable and affordable ride options for fans so they can celebrate their favorite team’s win and choose a smart ride home afterwards.”

Gregory noted that the program stemmed from a larger statewide coalition of public, private and non-profit entities called Safe Ride KY, which the KDA created last year to fight drunken driving. The coalition complements the state’s education and enforcement efforts with safe ride discounts on key holidays.

In the last year alone, the coalition has delivered more than 3,700 safe rides over four holidays.

The next safe ride campaign will be available during the Thanksgiving holiday and announced shortly.

Retailers who would like to receive materials to promote the free safe ride code, or groups that would like to sponsor the coalition, should contact the KDA’s Director of Social Responsibility Ali Edelstein at [email protected].

“Drunk driving is a choice, and therefore 100% preventable,” Edelstein said. “The Kentucky Distillers’ Association and its members are committed to helping individuals consume alcohol in moderation and understand they have too many good safe ride choices not to make the right one.”

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For more information, contact: Ali Edelstein, KDA Director of Social Responsibility, (502) 424-5841.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. 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 world-famous 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. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com. KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIRTM, KBTTM, and BOURBON TRAILTM are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please savor our Bourbon and distilled spirits like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.