Safe Rides
If you’ve been drinking and have no plan for a safe ride home, booking a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or using public transit is an option; however, rideshare and public transit coverage in Wyoming is not as widespread as in other states.
Do a little research ahead of time to determine what options are available in your community. If Uber or Lyft are available, download their apps before you go out.
You can also save the phone number for a local shuttle service, or Safe Ride, on the weekends to ensure you get home safely. A Safe Ride program is typically community-sponsored and designed to offer an alternative to impaired driving by providing free or low-cost transportation, primarily on weekends and late nights.
Laramie
This SafeRide program provides free public transportation anywhere within Laramie city limits. Operating during late nights and weekends, SafeRide provides safe travel at no cost to users. The easiest way to request a ride is to download the app or call (307) 766-RIDE (7433). https://www.uwyo.edu/transportation/transit/saferide.html
Jackson
START On-Demand is a free ride service provided around the Town of Jackson. Download the app or call 307-400-4438 to request a ride. https://www.jacksonwy.gov/587/START-Bus
Riverton and Lander
The Wind River Transportation Authority (WRTA) provides late-night, on-demand rides through its Safe Ride Program on Fridays and Saturdays (6:00pm–12:00am) with a goal to reduce impaired driving in the cities of Riverton and Lander. Call (307) 856-WRTA and you will be connected to a driver. https://fcagwy.gov/home/wrta/saferide/
Designated Driver
A designated driver (DD) is a person who volunteers to consume no alcohol when going out with friends or family. It’s vital to designate a trusted driver in advance!
If you are going out, agree on a trusted designated driver who will not drink alcohol and has a valid driver’s license. This person will be responsible for getting everyone home safely at the end of the night. If you often go out drinking with the same group of people, take turns accepting the responsibility of being the designated driver. Ensure that the driver has the address of everyone in the group as well as their emergency contact information. Many bars in Wyoming offer free soft drinks to the DD, so ask.
The Rules for Designated Drivers
- A designated driver should not drink any alcohol. They are not simply the least drunk person in the group.
- The driver is chosen and agrees to the role before the evening begins.
- Their primary responsibility is ensuring everyone gets to and from the destination safely.