COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — There's no excuse for getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, and this St. Patrick's Day weekend, a Colorado law firm is offering up a deal to make sure fewer people make that mistake.
During the DUI enforcement period around St. Patrick's Day last year, law enforcement agencies across the state arrested more than 220 people, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Wilhite Law Firm has been behind its Holiday Rideshare program for 19 years, offering up a reimbursement to qualifying riders who use Lyft or Uber from March 14 through the 17 this year in an attempt to make the roads safer.
“Many people think it’s simply a perk for those who have been drinking,” Rob Wilhite said. “But the bottom line is this: removing drunk drivers from the road saves lives. That’s why we do it.”
Click here for more on the program.
“When people are out drinking, they don't make smart decisions,” Wilhite added. “So if I'm here giving them the opportunity to get home safely, it sticks in their mind, and this keeps everyone in the community — not just the person who's drinking, but the people out on the road who are sober — safe from any accidents happening.”
Wilhite said the financial and personal consequences of a DUI can be severe.
“Don't do it. It's not worth it,” he said. “The cost to just you, your family, everyone else is astronomical. It can cost you up to $15,000 if you get a DUI just for a second, just one stupid decision.”
He said penalties can include fines, legal costs, rehabilitation requirements and ignition interlock devices that require drivers to pass a breath test before starting their vehicle.
“You could end up having an interlock system, which means you have to breathe into your car just to get the ignition started to make sure you're not drinking,” Wilhite explained. “There's cost of fines, there's lawyers' costs, there's rehabilitation costs. You're going to have urinalysis if you have to get that done, tested.”
Beyond the criminal penalties, impaired driving crashes can leave victims with life-altering injuries and drivers facing long-term financial consequences.
“This is not something to mess around with,” he added. “You don't want to kill someone. You don't want to hurt someone severely.”
While the total amount reimbursed over nearly two decades is substantial, Wilhite said the program’s purpose remains simple: to encourage people to make the safer choice.
“Have fun going out. Enjoy Saint Patrick's Day. Enjoy the celebration, have a wonderful time,” he said. “But make that smart decision and get home.”
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
On March 14 through March 17 in 2026, anyone who has had too much to drink can take advantage of the program:
- Call a Lyft or Uber
- Take one ride from any location to your home
- Pay your driver
- CLICK HERE to fill out the form and submit your receipt
- The Wilhite Law Firm will reimburse you up to $20.00
PROGRAM RESTRICTIONS
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Valid for one-way transportation home only
- Ride must occur within the metro area
- Maximum reimbursement: $20.00
Full program details and instructions for submitting reimbursement are available at:
https://www.wilhitelawfirm.com/wilhite-law-rideshare-program
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