Harris County Sheriff's Office Offers Free Lyft Rides for July 4th to Prevent Drunk Driving
As Fourth of July celebrations light up the skies across Harris County, law enforcement and community partners are working to ensure the roads stay safe. The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), in partnership with Responsibility.org and Lyft, is offering a $15 discount on rides to help residents get home safely — no questions asked.
From Wednesday, July 3 at 7 p.m. through Friday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m., residents can use the promo code HCSOJULY4 for a one-time Lyft discount within Harris County. The offer is valid while supplies last and aims to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes during one of the most dangerous driving holidays of the year.
Fourth of July: A High-Risk Holiday for Drunk Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July regularly ranks among the deadliest holidays for impaired driving. In 2022, over 40% of traffic fatalities nationwide during the holiday weekend involved a drunk driver.
Texas remains one of the leading states in drunk driving deaths, with Harris County consistently ranking at the top. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows that more than 150 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Harris County in 2022 alone — a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stressed the importance of making smart choices: “The Fourth of July should be a celebration of freedom — not tragedy. We’re urging everyone to plan ahead. Use the Lyft code, call a friend, or designate a sober driver. Whatever you do, don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.”
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Ride Safe: Promo Code Details and Enforcement Plans
The Lyft discount is part of a broader safety initiative that includes increased law enforcement visibility, “no-refusal” DWI policies, and mobile breath and blood testing units throughout the county. Officers will also be conducting field sobriety checkpoints and mandatory blood draws when warranted.
Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org, emphasized the power of prevention: “This campaign gives people real alternatives to driving drunk. When communities, law enforcement, and private partners like Lyft come together, we can save lives.”
The High Cost of Driving Under the Influence
Harris County takes impaired driving seriously. A first-time DWI offense can result in up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a year-long license suspension. Cases involving a high blood alcohol content, repeat offenses, or circumstances like having a child in the car can escalate to felony charges — with penalties including $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison.
The county’s “no-refusal” policy during high-risk periods like July 4 means drivers cannot avoid testing by simply saying no. A judge can authorize an immediate warrant for a blood sample, streamlining the arrest and prosecution process.
(Source: HCSO)Plan Ahead: Alternatives to Get Home Safe
While the Lyft code is a helpful tool, it’s not the only way to avoid impaired driving. Harris County officials encourage residents to consider these sober ride alternatives:
- Designate a driver in your group who agrees not to drink
- Use a taxi or rideshare app like Uber or Lyft (with or without the discount)
- Call a friend or family member who can pick you up safely
- Stay overnight where you’re celebrating, if possible
- Use public transportation if available nearby
Never Mix Fireworks and Alcohol
Beyond driving dangers, officials are also reminding residents that alcohol and fireworks are a deadly mix. Discharging fireworks while under the influence can lead to severe injuries, fires, or criminal charges. Fireworks are illegal in many parts of Harris County and should only be handled by sober, responsible adults in safe environments.
“We see too many injuries from fireworks and too many crashes from impaired drivers this time of year,” Gonzalez said. “Make a plan, stay sober if you’re celebrating with fireworks, and always choose a safe ride home.”
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A Community-Wide Commitment to Safety
As families gather for barbecues, parades, and fireworks across Greater Houston, the message from local officials is clear: Celebrate responsibly. Protect yourself and others. Don’t let one bad decision ruin a life.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on public safety initiatives for Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
