WATSONVILLE — Revelers throughout Santa Cruz County are preparing to ring in 2018, cementing plans at alcohol-infused locales. At the same time, the Jan. 1 legalization of marijuana will almost certainly include a pot-filled fete for others.
But after glasses have been drained, balloons have dropped and the smoke has cleared, the revelers will need a ride home. In the absence of designated drivers, there are options.
Santa Cruz County is partnering with 69 restaurants and bars in the Choose Your Ride Campaign, an effort to reduce the numbers of people who choose to drive while impaired.
Choose Your Ride coasters and cards are available at participating businesses to remind patrons to have a plan to get home safely by designating a driver, taking a cab, or using a ride share service.
Additionally, many of the businesses are offering special holiday promotions to designated drivers that could include complimentary, discounted, or buy-one-get-one free offers.
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Cruz County reported 213 alcohol-related collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in 2015. Such incidents increase during the holidays.
Results from the Santa Cruz County Place of Last Drink Study indicates that 47 percent of people convicted of a DUI offense had their last drink at a bar, restaurant or club.
In Mid-County, the Capitola Police Department Safe Ride Home Program will offer rides to people in the City of Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel and Seacliff between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Auto World of Santa Cruz is providing an 8-passenger van for the 27-year-old program. The Capitola Public Safety Foundation is funding a second van.
Funding for the Choose Your Ride Campaign comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For information, call 454-5004.
For information about the Capitola Safe Ride Home Program, call 475-4244.
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Choose Your Ride locations in Watsonville
• Round Table Pizza, 1975 Main St.
• Cilantros, 1934 Main St.
• Jalisco Restaurant, 618 Main St.
• El Alteño, 323 Main St., Watsonville
• El Pollero Mexican Restaurant, 168 Main St.
• Golden China Restaurant, 1866 Main St.
• Las Islitas Mariscos, 1212 Main St.
• Mariscos El Nayarita II, 1922 East Lake Ave.
• Main Street Burgers and Brews, 1116 Main St.
• Taqueria Mundial, 1075 Main St.
• Imura Japanese Restaurant, 1994 Main St.
• Real Colima Restaurant, 1101 East Lake Ave.
• The Appleton Grill, 410 Rodriguez St.
• Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1105 South Green Valley Road
