Responsibility.org and VRLTA team up to keep drunk drivers off Richmod roads this holiday season.
RICHMOND, VA — December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and with the holiday season in full swing, the next few weeks will be full of celebratory gatherings with friends, colleagues, and family. During this busy time, drinking responsibly and planning for a safe ride home should be part of everyone’s holiday agenda. Drunk and impaired driving, and the injuries and fatalities that result from these dangerous choices, are 100% preventable.
This year, to keep roads free of drunk drivers, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) and Responsibility.org, a national not-for-profit that empowers responsible alcohol choices among adults, are partnering to offer $15 in Uber credits to help Richmonders get home safely. The Uber vouchers will be valid nightly (4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.) starting Friday, December 19, until 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, for rides that originate or end within Richmond city limits. More information is available at www.responsibility.org/Richmond.
Responsibility.org and VRLTA kicked off this campaign with a media event on Thursday, December 18, at 3PM at Tarrant’s Café Downtown. Representatives from participating organizations and local law enforcement were on hand to emphasize the dangers of drunk driving and shared information about how to use the Uber voucher.
“At Tarrant’s Downtown, Tarrant’s West, and Bar Solita, creating a warm, welcoming experience is at the heart of everything we do,” said Liz Kincaid, CEO of RVA Hospitality and President of the Arts District Business Alliance. “As both a business owner and a civic leader, I know that safety is our community’s greatest priority—especially during the holiday season. We each have a role to play. By participating in efforts like this, we’re reinforcing a shared commitment to look out for one another so we can all enjoy the holidays responsibly and to the fullest.”
“When adults go out and enjoy time together, they must prioritize getting home safely, especially when alcohol is involved,” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “Drunk driving is illegal, dangerous, and it affects everyone on the roads. No one should have to share the road with a drunk driver. We are proud to offer a solution.”
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023 (latest data available), there were 913 traffic fatalities on Virginia’s roadways, 29% of whom were killed in a drunk driving crash. And in December 2023 alone, 61 Virginians were killed in a traffic crash, 22 of which involved a drunk driver. Three out of four Virginians killed in a drunk driving crash involved a driver with a BAC level of .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit.
Richmonders planning to patronize their favorite establishment—or try something new—should consider building a ride share option into their plans and into their budgets.
"Virginia’s hospitality industry shines brightest during the holiday season, and we’re proud to partner with Responsibility.org to help guests enjoy all Richmond has to offer—safely,” said Eric Terry, President of VRLTA. "This initiative is a powerful example of how community partnerships can support both our restaurants and our residents, and we look forward to seeing similar programs expand across the Commonwealth.”
“Studies show that Uber helps reduce drunk and impaired driving fatalities in our communities,” said LáVita Gardner, Public Policy Manager at Uber. “The holiday season can be a particularly dangerous time of year on our roads, which is why it’s important to act responsibly and make intentional, safety-first decisions such as choosing Uber instead of driving drunk or impaired. We are proud to partner with Responsibility.org and VRTLA to help Richmonders get a safe ride home for the holidays.”
Accessing the ride voucher is easy: for adults of legal drinking age, they just visit www.responsibility.org/Richmond to download the voucher to the wallet of their Uber App. Then, when they order their ride to or from their destination (either originating or ending within Richmond city limits), they will receive $15 toward their Uber trip.
For more information about Responsibility.org and its missions, and to learn more about this partnership with the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, visit www.responsibility.org/Richmond.
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The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association is the unified voice of the restaurant, lodging, travel and hospitality suppliers associations. VRLTA creates value for members by promoting the legislative interests of the industry, networking, educational opportunities, and protecting free enterprise. For more information, visit www.vrlta.org or call 800-552-2225.
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Since 1991, Responsibility.org has worked with like-minded organizations who choose to dedicate their time and efforts to increasing education and awareness in the public interest. Responsibility.org’s Board of Directors includes: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. The organization’s efforts are also supported by a diverse group of like-minded organizations that serve as Responsibility Champions, Responsibility Associates, and Craft Supporters. Since its inception, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together with the belief that everyone has a seat at the table of responsibility.