California — As New Year’s Eve celebrations approach and traffic increases across the state, a California-based law firm is stepping in with a safety-focused initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving.
Setareh Law has announced it will provide free Uber rides to residents on New Year’s Eve, offering a transportation option for those planning to celebrate without getting behind the wheel.
The program is designed to help Californians travel safely during one of the busiest and most dangerous nights of the year for roadways.
How the Free Uber Ride Program Works
Setareh Law said it is offering approximately 300 Uber ride vouchers, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each voucher covers rides up to $20, and participants must have an active Uber account in order to redeem the offer.
The law firm has published step-by-step instructions online explaining how users can claim and apply the voucher before requesting a ride. Once the vouchers are gone, the promotion will end.
Officials emphasized that the goal of the program is not promotion, but prevention — particularly reducing the risk of drunk or impaired driving during holiday celebrations.
Counties Covered by the Free Ride Offer
The Uber vouchers are valid for trips to and from multiple counties across California, allowing residents in both urban and suburban areas to participate.
The offer applies to rides within the following counties:
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Santa Clara
- Sacramento
- Fresno
- San Joaquin
- Stanislaus
- Sonoma
- Kern
- Ventura
- Madera
- Monterey
By covering a wide geographic area, the firm aims to reach residents across Northern, Central, and Southern California.
New Year’s Eve Remains a High-Risk Night on California Roads
Traffic safety officials consistently warn that New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for motorists. Alcohol consumption, late-night travel, and crowded roadways combine to significantly increase the risk of serious crashes.
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During the California Highway Patrol’s New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period last year, authorities reported:
- 10 fatal crashes statewide
- 481 arrests for driving under the influence
Those figures highlight the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces during major holidays, even with increased patrols and DUI checkpoints in place.
DUI Arrests Remain a Concern During Holiday Periods
The dangers are not limited to New Year’s Eve alone. According to CHP data, from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Day, officers made 297 DUI arrests statewide.
Law enforcement officials say those numbers underscore the importance of alternative transportation options and public awareness campaigns during holiday periods.
Programs like free ride initiatives are increasingly viewed as one tool to help prevent impaired driving before it happens.
Encouraging Safer Choices During Celebrations
Setareh Law’s free Uber ride program reflects a broader push by organizations, businesses, and public agencies to encourage safer choices during high-risk travel times.
Traffic safety advocates note that even short trips can turn deadly when alcohol is involved, and they encourage people to:
- Plan transportation ahead of time
- Use rideshare services or public transit
- Designate a sober driver
- Avoid driving after drinking altogether
Officials say making safe transportation accessible can help reduce the likelihood of tragic outcomes.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As Californians prepare to ring in the New Year, authorities continue to remind residents that enforcement will be active statewide and that impaired driving carries serious legal and personal consequences.
Programs offering free or discounted rides aim to remove barriers that may prevent people from choosing safer alternatives.
Do you think free rideshare programs make a difference in reducing DUI incidents during holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments.
