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JEFFERSON CITY -- The annual holiday effort to avoid tragedies from drinking and driving is underway.

The Jefferson City Police Department’s Sober Driver Program is underway.

That program offers free taxi rides home for impaired individuals who are at bars or private parties.

Businesses that sell alcohol by the drink can arrange for the free rides along with hosts of private parties who make arrangements ahead of time with the police department or Fechtel Beverage.

Last year, more than two thousand rides were given to impaired individuals.

If you are at an establishment that sells alcohol by the drink:

- Patrons or a business representative should call 636-7102 for a free ride home.

- A Checker Cab will be dispatched to your location.

- A "Sober Driver" ticket will be presented to the individual needing a ride by the business.

- The ticket is then presented to the driver of the cab by the patron.

- The Sober Driver ticket then entitles the passenger to a free ride home from the establishment.

If you are with a private party that has acquired tickets in advance:

- Individuals hosting private parties are eligible to use this program.

- Tickets for party guests can be acquired prior to the event by calling:

- Fechtel Beverage -- 425 West Elm Street -- 636-5161

- Jefferson City Police Department, 401 Monroe Street, Sgt. Doug Ruediger -  634-6397

- Tickets acquired for private parties will have expiration dates covering the time frame of the party.

All Sober Driver tickets are valued at $10.00, and any costs above that amount are the responsibility of the rider.

The Jefferson City Police Department also said the Checker Cab Company will only take riders directly to their home or a hotel. They will not stop at another party or establishment that sells alcohol.