Sheriff's office to offer Safe Rides

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office will again offer Safe Rides for New Year’s Eve.

“We will come and pick up anyone at any bar or party here in Wilson county, as long as they live here in Wilson county,” said Gary Keith, coordinator for the department’s Safe Rides program.

Wilson County residents can call the sheriff’s office between Monday at 8 p.m. until Tuesday at 3 a.m. for a free ride home.

“It’s no questions asked,” said Keith. “If they call, we’ll pick them up and get them home.”

Eight reserve officers in four cars will be on hand to pick up party-goers. Keith said officers will only take people home – not to other parties.

The sheriff’s office has offered the Safe Rides program for several years, according to Keith.

“The results have just been fantastic,” said Keith. “DUI arrests are considerably down from what they once were.”

The department will also work with neighboring counties’ Safe Rides programs to help get Wilson County residents home. For example, someone at a party in Nashville can call the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department and ask for their Safe Rides program. Davidson County will take that person to the Wilson County line and Wilson County officers will take the person the rest of the way home.

To request a Safe Ride in Wilson County, call 615-444-1412.