Washington Regional AlcoholPrograms SoberRide program will offer free cab rides to potentially drunkdrivers throughout the Washington area for Independence Day weekend, despitethe program being endangered by a lack of funds.

The program, which raised enoughmoney during a fundraiser, will be offered beginning at 10 p.m. this Sunday andcontinue until 6 a.m. the following day, July 5, as a means to keep roads safefrom impaired drivers on this traditionally high-risk, holiday.

When asked whether theWashington-metropolitan area could afford 300 drunk drivers on its streets thisJuly fourth, major corporations and the local community responded with aresounding no, said Kurt Gregory Erickson, WRAPs president.

Duringthis eight-hour period, area residents celebrating the holiday with alcohol maycall the toll-free SoberRide phone number 1-800-200-TAXI and be afforded ano-cost (up to a $ 50 fare), safe way home. AT&T wireless customers candial #TAXI for the same service. Local taxicab companies throughout the areaprovide this no-cost service to local residents age 21 and older that may havein other cases attempted to drive home after drinking.