BARTLESVILLE — Bartlesville Police Department say they received more calls this year from people needing rides on New Year's Eve compared to last year.
Bartlesville police say they received calls from 9 people needing rides from local private parties, hotels, and bars.
Police say that each person that received a ride expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the ride.
At first, the people expressed their doubts, thinking it was the department trying to employ a trick to arrest intoxicated patrons, but were put at ease when they were greeted and brought home by Bartlesville Police Officers.
RELATED STORY: Bartlesville police offering free rides home for NYE
Police say they first began offering this service New Year's Eve 2018 and only two people responded.
One woman did not take advantage of the service and got behind the wheel, police say. This resulted in a single car accident when the woman left the roadway, hitting a ditch and tree.
Police say the woman was taken to jail and booked after conducting a series of sobriety tests. The woman was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, police say.
"The Bartlesville Police Department hopes to see the public’s trust in them grow and more citizens take advantage of a free and safe ride home," according to a press release. "The Bartlesville Police Department will continue to offer this service in the future around other holiday weeks to maximize safe options for citizens versus driving while intoxicated."
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