PBOT offers ride discounts to prevent impaired driving on St. Patrick’s Day
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — To help reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the road this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Portland city officials will dole out discounts to those who use a ride-share app or taxi to get home.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is offering $20 off taxi rides and $10 off rides purchased on Uber or Lyft starting Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m., and through Monday, March 18 at 3 a.m.
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A limited number of taxi coupons will be available at almost 50 local bars, pubs, and other businesses expecting a busy weekend, such as Dixie Tavern, Paddy’s, and Whelan’s Irish Pub.
Discounted Uber rides are available online, while Lyft users have been advised to use the code “PORTLANDSAFE” or click here.
The Safe Ride Home initiative is another aspect of the Vision Zero program adopted in late 2016.
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“PBOT is committed to traffic safety and curbing impaired driving as part of our Vision Zero effort to end traffic deaths and serious injuries,” PBOT Director Millicent Williams said. “We hope these discounts will encourage partygoers to travel safely by leaving their cars at home. This should serve as a reminder to everyone to travel safely, so we can all do our part to end traffic fatalities in Portland.”
According to the agency, 69% of fatal crashes that occurred from 2017 to 2021 were related to alcohol impairment, drug impairment or both.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration additionally reported that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days for drivers and pedestrians in the U.S.
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With this in mind, law enforcement agencies throughout Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties are planning to conduct a traffic safety mission all weekend long.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said the mission will focus on the “fatal five” driving behaviors: speed, occupant Safety, lane usage, impaired driving, and distracted driving.
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