Woodstock PD Offers Safe Ride Home For New Year's Eve

WOODSTOCK, GA — The Woodstock Police Department on Monday will launch the 10th year of Operation Safe Ride, which helps residents who indulge a little too much on New Year's Eve get home safely.

The department's initiative, which has provided more than 400 rides home in the last decade, will give free rides home to patrons of local establishments who may be impaired or feel they are not fit to drive.

Anyone in need of a ride is encouraged to call Woodstock police. To obtain a ride home, you must be at an establishment in Woodstock's limits and must live "within a reasonable distance" of the city.

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Woodstock police will use its 15-passenger van and two officers to shuttle those in need home. It will also partner with Neese Towing this year to tow your vehicles home in conjunction with the event. This service will also be offered free of charge.

"The main reason for this operation is to ensure that residents can celebrate the holiday, but not endanger the lives of others by driving impaired," said Capt. Mark Hand, Field Operations Division commander. "The officers enjoy interacting with all of the residents and meeting new people. It is a way for us to get out in the community while making the streets of Woodstock safer."

Anyone interested in a ride home on New Year’s Eve can make arrangements by calling the officers directly at 404-740-4502. The initiative will run from 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 3 a.m. New Year’s Day.

Images via Woodstock Police Department/Darleen Prem