Tulsa Police: DUI Arrests Up From This Time Last Year

Emily Baucum, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa police say more people are drinking and driving, compared to this time last year.

A new designated driver service is taking a shot at preventing people from making that often deadly mistake. It gets you -- and your car -- home safely.

"Big factor in people drinking and driving is the fact that people have their car with them the next day," Brett Crump said.

Some bar patrons said taxis create more problems.

"If you just leave your car somewhere you have to go back the next morning and get it." Clayton Kindred, a bar customer, said.

Kevin Boedecker has another option on tap.

"I'd say we're a few dollars more than a cab and thousands of dollars less than a DWI," Boedecker said.

He runs Safe Rides, a company that will pick you up after a night out and take you home in your own car.

"It's a two-person team," Boedecker said. "They come out, one person drives the vehicle home, another person follows and picks up our driver."

It's not a taxi service. You have to prove you own the car, and you have to sign an insurance waiver. Bar owners like the idea, especially with college students coming home for summer.

"The more kids you have out, the more people you have out, the bigger the issue is," Sara Bergeson, with BruHouse, said.

"I also notice a shortage of cabs on Brookside, especially, so the more people getting rides, the better it is, I think." Tony Galvez, with The Warehouse Bar & Grill, said.

They hope customers who like their cocktails take notice at last call, before ending up on thin ice with the law.

Safe Rides started in Missouri and is expanding in Oklahoma. Designated drivers will be on Oklahoma City roads in a few weeks.