THE ASSESSMENT OF RIDE SERVICE PROGRAMS AS AN ALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE. FINAL REPORT

Ride Service Programs, frequently called safe ride or dial-a-ride programs, attempt to reduce alcohol-related crashes by providing alternative transportation to drinkers who would otherwise drive while intoxicated. This study identified 325 Ride Service Programs across the country; 52 were studied in detail through telephone discussions and review of written materials. Twelve of the 52 were also visited. This report discusses the operation of Ride Service Programs: staffing, the types of transport used (cabs, buses, tow trucks, etc.), procedures for delivering rides, funding, etc. It also discusses problems programs may encounter and possible solutions for them. Four major conclusions are reached. First, Ride Service Programs are widely available: they exist in many states, many operate every day, etc. Second, they are relatively easy to develop and maintain: many types of organizations operate them, there are many sources of funding, etc. Third, Ride Service Programs are used frequently - some provide hundreds of rides per year. Fourth, the effectiveness of these programs in reducing Driving While Intoxicated remains unknown. Topics for future research are suggested. The introduction describes two other reports about this study: a directory listing 325 programs and a users' guide which includes descriptions of the 12 programs that were visited.