PHOENIX- By the beginning of December, calendars are already filling up with holiday parties and New Year celebration plans. That is why the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, in partnership with Lyft and Banner Health, is promoting the “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign from now until New Year’s Day.

“This time of year is meant to be one of celebration and joy and we’re hoping our community will enjoy the festivities without putting anyone at risk on our roads. I urge our community to make the right choice and arrange to have a sober driver. The offer we are providing with our partners means there is no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery

Between now and New Year’s Eve, first-time users who download the Lyft app can get $5 off their first four rides by entering the promo code “JOY.”  Those who already have the Lyft app can enter the code “JOY18” to receive 20% off two rides allowing them to get to and from their holiday festivities safely.

“We're thrilled to partner with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to promote Lyft as a smart ride option for people around the holidays," said Drena Kusari,  Lyft Southwest Region General Manager. “We encourage passengers to download the app ahead of time, so they can plan for a responsible and reliable ride home instead of worrying about it after a night of celebrating." 

“The last thing we ever want to see is a person brought into one of our trauma centers because they were involved in an alcohol-related accident that could have been prevented,” said Vicki Bennett, trauma service line administrator for Banner Health. “By partnering with Lyft this holiday season, we’re hoping to keep accident victims out of our hospitals and get people to and from their destinations safely.”

The goal of this year’s partnership is to keep the number of incidents caused by impaired drivers at ZERO. The month-long messaging is meant to convince those thinking of driving when they are impaired to the slightest degree, to instead take the incentive and get a safe ride home. The discounted rides offered through the “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” will leave many riders with only a $5 to $10 charge, compared to the $5,000 to $10,000 they might spend on a DUI offense.