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08/08/2011 - Anchorage CHARR - Off the Road

A safe way home

Off the Road is an innovative program that keeps local streets much safer by providing free rides home for impaired drivers 21 years of age and older and their vehicles. The Anchorage Cabaret, Hotel , Restaurant and Retailers Association ( Anchorage CHARR) sponsors the program, which is available to patrons of a participating licensed beverage premise in the Anchorage Bowl. Anchorage CHARR is a trade organization that represents more than 150 restaurants, hotels, bars, convenience stores and tourism-related businesses.

Off the Road removes the number one excuse for driving under the influence- the motorist not wanting to leave their vehicle behind.

How it Works

A licensed establishment calls a taxi company if a patron should not drive home. Two taxis respond. One taxi driver takes the patron home and the other follows with the patron's vehicle. The service is available from Rabbit Creek Road to Ft. Richardson, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Off the road operates on vouchers and is funded by government grants, corporate sponsors, licensed establishments and the hospitality industry. Anchorage CHARR administers and monitors the program.

Several taxi companies in Anchorage participate in the program, which required special legislation to limit the taxi drivers' liability.

A Record of Success

Many communities offer alternative ride programs, particularly during the holidays, but most leave the vehicle behind. Some areas make the service available year-round, including Aspen Colorado, which instituted what it calls Tipsy Taxi 20 years ago. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the Tipsy Taxi program "significantly reduced nighttime injury and fatal crashes."