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After the ball drops and the horns blow and 1999 officially arrives, the first act of the new year will be getting home safe and sound - and responsibly.
Fast Cab, of Warsaw, will again help revelers start the new year without worrying about the trip home with its annual "Save A Life" program.
"It's unbelievable the number of rides we had last year," said David Cesaretti, owner of Fast Cab. "We get hundreds of calls, so many I have to hire extra people to answer the phones."
Fast Cab, with the sponsorship of Warsaw taverns and clubs, will offer party-goers a free ride both to their party destination and home again. The rides, offered between 7 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday, are free within Warsaw city limits and at a discounted fare of $1 per mile for those outside of town.
Reservations for rides are encouraged and can be made by calling 269-2222.
"This is a chance for me to show my appreciation to all my loyal customers and hopefully to pick up some more," Cesaretti said. "I hope people will be responsible party-goers and let us do the driving."
According to Capt. Steve Foster of the Warsaw Police Department, the "Save A Life" program helps make people aware of the dangers of drunk driving, as well as making the streets safer during the New Year's celebration.
"We certainly appreciate any help we can get in keeping the streets safe," Foster said. "We've seen a decrease in the number of DWIs due to the program, but I think the biggest thing is that it raises the public's awareness about drunk driving.
"There's no longer a stigma attached to handing off the keys and letting someone else drive," he said.
The "Save A Life" program is made possible by the following Warsaw clubs and business establishments: Nelson Beverage, O'Connor's, Rex's Rendezvous, American Legion Post 49, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Warsaw Bowl, Time-Out Inn, the VFW, the Moose Lodge, Ramada Inn, Harrigan's Pub, Rozella Ford Restaurant & Lounge, Schrader's Auto Parts, Liquid Assets, Service Liquors, Rader Oil Company and Hacienda Mexican Restaurant.
"I really appreciate the help of all my sponsors," Cesaretti said. "I wouldn't be able to do it without their help."
