Lyft Offers Free Rides During Thanksgiving Weekend

HOUSTON — In an effort to reduce drinking and driving on Houston's roadways, Lyft is offering free rides during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Data shows that Texas tops the list as the number one deadliest state in the country for Thanksgiving travel, and nearly 30 percent of the increase in accidents are alcohol-related,” says Kaleb Miller, General Manager, Lyft Gulf Coast. Lyft is activating our Ride Smart TX program this Thanksgiving to help combat these statistics and encourage responsible choices...”

In 2017, Lyft saw a 35 percent increase in late-night rides on the night before Thanksgiving - the night known as “Blackout Wednesday” because it is one of the heaviest drinking days of the year.

“Impaired driving continues to pose a significant public safety problem across Texas, with nearly 1 and 3 roadway fatalities since 2010 involving alcohol,” said Bentley Nettles, TABC Executive Director. “Preventing drunk driving takes a concerted effort, and TABC is committed to partnering on innovative solutions such as Lyft’s Ride Smart TX program to help avoid tragic deaths and protect the public.”

With AAA predicting the highest volume of Thanksgiving travelers in a dozen years, including 4.1 million Texans traveling 50 miles or more, Lyft is stepping in to help Houston residents celebrate responsibly by providing $50,000 in free rides across the state.

These free rides are part of Lyft’s commitment to reduce drinking and driving through its Ride Smart TX program. Texans can claim their free Lyft ride (up to $10 discount) HERE or by applying RIDESMARTTHANKS in the Lyft app (offer valid November 21 through November 23 at 2am).

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