Wildcat Coalition Delivers 675 Safe Rides On Game Day

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.