Supervisor Peggy Romo West Urges Support for “Safe Ride” Program

Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy Romo West today urged her colleagues to support $5,000 in funding for the “Safe Ride” program, which allows those who have had too much to drink to get free rides home. The program was left out of the 2015 budget, and Romo West said it was crucial that the County Board provide funding for the program for this year.

“’Safe Ride’ saves lives and it saves money,” Romo West said. “If we can help to alleviate the problem of driving under the influence, we have made a good investment. The cost of this program is minimal, and if we can save one life,  the money will be well spent.”

Under the “Safe Ride” program, which would be run by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, tavern owners who are members of the Wisconsin Tavern League can call a taxicab to drive home those who have had too much to drink. The rides are free.

The Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee passed the resolution unanimously on Thursday, and the Health and Human Needs Committee will deliberate on the measure on January 28. If passed by Health and Human Needs, the resolution will go to the full County Board for consideration on Feb. 5.

“The toll from drunken driving is terrible,” Romo West said. “It not only endangers lives, it costs taxpayers money through prosecutions by the District Attorney’s office, enforcement by the Sheriff’s Department and sometimes, even the Medical Examiner’s office.

“I urge my colleagues to support this effort to reduce drunken driving.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.