SAFFORD — Those planning to ring in the New Year with an adult beverage or two should plan for a way to get safely home.
For those without a designated driver on New Year’s Eve, Jason Baca, with the Marge Schade House of Hope Sober Living Facility, said Recovery Angels are there to help.
“The Recovery Angels are providing safe and sober rides home,” Baca said. “So don’t start off the year with an accident or DUI, call us at 928-322-5848.”
It’s the third year in a row that Recovery Angels have been providing safe rides home on New Year’s Eve, and Baca said his team drives until 4 a.m. or the calls for rides stop coming in.
In Arizona, a driver is considered impaired with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08, and extreme DUI is 0.15 or higher.
A first offense DUI conviction carries a fine of not less than $1,250 and not less than 10 days in jail. Offenders must also serve community service, undergo alcohol screening and treatment, and install an interlock device on any vehicle the offender drives.
A first-time conviction for extreme DUI carries penalties of no less than 30 days in jail and at least a $2,500 fine.
