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Here's How to Get a Safe, Free Ride Home On New Year's Eve

Date Posted: Wed, Dec 30 2015, Woman's Day
Given the plethora of New Year's Eve parties and events going on tomorrow, it should come as no surprise that more traffic accidents occur on January 1 than any other day of the year. With significantly more people on the roads after midnight—and many of them intoxicated—there's no question as to why a high number of fatalities happen on this night every year.

Thankfully, there are several options that will get party-goers home safely—for free! First off, many cities, like Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and Boston are waiving fares on buses and trains. All of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), for instance, will be free starting at 10 P.M. Thursday through 4 A.M. Friday. (If you're curious why New York doesn't offer the same, here's why.) Check the rules and schedule for your local transportation system, and see what the city is offering for New Year's Eve.

AAA's Holiday Safe Ride Program also coordinates free rides home, but the organization emphasizes that it's not a national operation, so it's meant to be used as a last resort. Still, it's worth seeing its comprehensive listing of cities participating in the program. They also put together other sober ride options available across the country.

Before relying on a free AAA ride, the organization encourages event goers to arrange a designated driver beforehand. If none of your pals opt to be the DD, BeMyDD.com offers paid services where a personal driver will drive your car for you. The service is available in 76 cities in 31 states. Their options include driving you and your friends around for the night then bringing them home, for a cost of up to $20 an hour. If you just need to be picked up, a driver can come get you (and your car) and take you home for $25 plus $3.25 a mile. Sure, it's an extra cost, but safety is always worth it. (The company also offers gift cards for those who want to treat their loved ones to extra-safe celebrations. )

Lastly, the most common paid service of getting home these days is Uber and Lyft. To avoid surge pricing, Uber suggests heading home right after midnight. The highest rates will most likely be from 12:30 A.M. to 2:30 A.M.

Here's to everyone staying safe tomorrow night!