Woodstock Police Offers Free Rides Home on New Year's Eve

For those who tend to overindulge to ring in the New Year, the Woodstock Police Department will offer you a way to get home safely. 

The department will conduct its Operation Safe Ride this year on New Year's Eve, Monday Dec. 31.

The initiative, which is in its fifth year, provides residents who may be impaired or don't feel safe driving with free rides home from local bars and pubs.

The department in its press release stipulates residents who need a ride that night must patronize an establishment in the Woodstock city limits and must live within a "reasonable" distance in the city.

Residents also must not have money to call a taxi.

Woodstock Police Spokesperson Brittany Duncan said residents don't have to live in the city limits, but must reside in the Woodstock area to take advantage of the initiative. 

Woodstock-based Neese Towing will once again partner with the department and tow participating residents' cars home at no charge. 

About 40 residents took advantage of the initiative on New Year's Eve in 2011, Duncan said.  

Officers in the last five years have given over 300 rides home to residents.

Two officers from the department will use its 15 passenger van for the program. The officers will provide the service until everyone participating makes it home safely.   

"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," Woodstock Police Special Operations Group Commander Lt. Troy Brazie said. "We have fun interacting with all of the residents and meeting new people. It is a way for us to get out in the community."

Anyone who needs a ride can call (678) 614-9104 anytime on the night of New Year's Eve.