‘Tis the season — for joy, for friends and family coming together, and for an endless stream of holiday parties. Everyone wants to celebrate and have fun with family and friends, and often such parties will involve alcohol. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, but the problem comes as the party winds down and you find yourself wanting to get home to the comfort of your bed.
Driving under the influence is never the right call. No one deserves to have their lives forever altered by a careless mistake, but unfortunately it happens all too often.
To help you enjoy your party while still making it home safely, we have highlighted just a few of the many options available to Jacksonville residents in need of a ride.
Phone a Friend
Our first suggestion is one that applies not only to Jacksonville, but anywhere: call a friend with a car! No one loves being a designated driver, but most people with no plans to drink will gladly bite the bullet to help a friend in need. This is assuming that you give them plenty of notice ahead of the night of your party, and that you don’t test their generosity too often.
AAA “Tow To Go”
As usual, AAA is partnering with Bud Light to provide their “Tow To Go” service throughout Florida. Any time between December 24th and January 2nd, AAA will tow your car and up to two people home for you, as long as it’s within a 10-mile radius. Rides are given as available and can’t be scheduled ahead of time — AAA intends the service to be used as a “last resort”. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a AAA member; they will still help you out.
To get a ride from AAA, call (855) 286-9246.
Farah & Farah “Keep Our City Safe” (NYE)
Prominent local lawfirm Farah & Farah is offering free taxi rides on New Year’s Eve this year. Unlike AAA’s service, Farah & Farah allows you to reserve a taxi. Rides will still be given as available, but priority will be given to those who do reserve one ahead of time.
To reserve a ride ahead of time, visit http://keepourcitysafe.org/ and fill out the form provided. To request a ride on New Year’s Eve itself, call (904) 396-5555.
Uber
Uber is always a practical, reliable option for getting home safely, and much to the chagrin of taxi companies it is still readily available in Jacksonville. However, one must beware of the “peak hour” pricing effect; last New Year’s Eve, Uber was the subject of country-wide controversy over heightened prices due to extreme demand. However, if your party falls on a relatively calm night, Uber may very well be your best option.
The Uber app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Beachside Buggies
For anyone in the Jax Beach area, Beachside Buggies offers free rides to and from many of the nearby bars and restaurants as well as private residences. To reserve one of their rides, send a text message to (904) 887-4441 with your name, where you need a ride from, and how many people are with you.
Whichever option you choose, we hope you will get home safely this holiday season and start your new year in a stress-free way!
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