Operation Safe Cab continues

Operation Safe Cab, a community-sponsored project, takes the keys and the associated risks out of the hands of would-be drunk drivers and provides them with a safe alternative means of transportation in getting them home after ringing in the 2012 New Year.(Photo illustration)

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Operation Safe Cab will be hosted this New Year's Eve through the efforts of several area sponsors and the Dunklin County Cab Company of Kennett. The project is geared toward local residents who live within the city limits of Kennett who may find themselves in need of a ride home after ringing in the New Year. Operation Safe Cab offers free cab services to area individuals through a simple phone call between the hours of noon on December 31, 2011 and 6 a.m., New Year's Day on January 1, 2012.

Unfortunately, many automobile accident deaths during the holidays are attributed to drinking and driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), during the holiday season, spirits are high, celebrations abound and travel increases on roadways. Statistically, drunk driving is usually on the rise as well. Operation Safe Cab was designed in response to this issue.

According to Kenneth Jenkins of the Dunklin County Cab company, the community courtesy program came to life after his father, Richard Jenkins, was approached by area sponsors regarding the idea in an effort to prevent unnecessary accidents due to drunk driving.

"My father loved the idea and thought it would be very beneficial to the members of this community," Jenkins said. "Since then we have been offering free cab rides to those who need it during the holidays."

Jenkins said all a person has to do is make a phone call to (573) 888-2323, and ask for a "safe cab."

"Once we get a call, we will pick the person up and take them home safely and for free," Jenkins explained. "We can also arrange to have their car brought home so they will not have to make additional arrangements the following day to pick it up."

Jenkins said the sole motivation behind offering the free service is to ensure that everyone in Kennett is able to celebrate the holidays, have a great time, and remain safe while doing so.

"We just want to make sure no one gets hurt or ends up in jail because of a bad decision to drink and drive," Jenkins said. "We're glad to do this each year."

Jenkins noted that cab drivers will pick anyone up that needs them to from anywhere including area bars or holiday house parties. However, drivers are only permitted to take passengers to their home address and not to another bar or party.

Sponsors for this year's project include Bluff City Beer Company, Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center, Bradley Distributing Company, Inc., Pollack Broadcasting Company and the Daily Dunklin Democrat.