Many Law Firms Offer New Year's Eve 'Safe Ride,' But Some Fine Print Restricts Excessive Use
With a new year about to begin, law firms throughout the country are participating in “safe ride” programs intended to help protect not only those who have celebrated a little too much but potential victims of drunk-driving accidents.
Dozens are apparently doing so, including J. Colbert Injury Lawyers, in Oklahoma City. Partner John Colbert says the firm also has a St. Patrick’s Day safe ride program. However, there is some lawyerly fine print in the offer, reports the Oklahoman.
Among the caveats: Participants have to use the ride to go home, rather than to another bar. And while efforts will be made to provide a ride to all who request one for this purpose, there’s no guarantee, due to the many calls that are expected.
Berg Injury Lawyers in California adds further restrictions, according to a press release: The free rides are for adults, and they must have been drinking.
“Throughout the years, I’ve seen many people get hurt from drunk drivers, and this is a chance for us to give back to the community. We want people to have a safe and happy time,” attorney Bill Woods tells Evansville Courier & Press.
His firm, Woods & Woods, is offering free rides in Vanderburgh County, Ind.
Several participating attorneys said they got the idea by hearing that another firm had pioneered such a program. Among the apparent early adopters is the Chandler Law Group, which is offering free rides for the 21st consecutive year, initially in its Charlottesville, Va., headquarters and now in six Virginia cities, according to a press release on its website.
Participants have to mention either the law firm’s name or the Safe Ride Home campaign to qualify for a free trip. However, they don’t have to be drunk, notes partner Brad Chandler.
“Even one drink might impair someone’s judgment,” he says in the release, “We’re not interested in legal definitions when it comes to preventing drinking and driving. Our goal is to make it easy for people who have had any alcohol at all to find another way home.”
In a twist on the traditional safe ride program, the Andersonville Law Firm offers impaired bikers in Tarrant County, Texas, one free tow, 24/7, throughout the year, according to the firm’s website.
Other law firms participating in such programs include:
Allen & Allen, in Charlottesville and Richmond, Va. (press release)
Fleschner Stark Tanoos and Newlin, in Terre Haute, Ind. (WTHI-TV)
Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop, near its Nebraska offices (press release)
Martin Harding and Mazzotti, in Albany County, N.Y. (Fox News 23)
Law Offices of William Matter, in Buffalo, N.Y. (Buffalo Business First)
McDivitt Law Firm, in Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs Gazette)
Personal injury attorney Thomas Schimmerling, in Binghamton, N.Y. (Press & Sun Bulletin)
Sieben Grose Von Holtum & Carey, for local T.G.I. Friday’s patrons in Minnesota (Eden Prairie News)
Stewart & Stewart, in Indianapolis (press release)
