Durango resident Brad Abeyta lost two friends to drunken driving around Halloween 2014 in Denver. To honor them and discourage others from making a similar mistake, Abeyta is offering free rides in his six-passenger van through New Year’s Eve and the weekend.
“It’s important for people to have fun and spend time together, especially this time of year,” he said. “And I think it’s important for people to realize that one simple choice or one persistent way of living life can have really dire consequences.”
Abeyta, 22, said he also offered rides during Halloween, helping 65 people make it home. He was chauffeuring people around until 6 a.m. after Halloween, he said. He made his service known by posting it on his Facebook page, texting friends and handing out business cards on Main Avenue.
“It’s really rewarding,” he said, “and it’s nice to feel like people are safe.”
He’s also willing to take party-goers downtown to the restaurants and bars. He’ll be available from 3 p.m. Thursday through the weekend. He’s willing to make trips as far as Hesperus, Hermosa, Edgemont Ranch and Grandview.
He plans to sleep during the day Friday.
Abeyta is not a taxi driver by trade; rather, he works in customer service at Basin Printing. According to a statewide search of county courts, he has a fairly clean record, with the exception of a careless driving charge in 2013 in Archuleta County.
Durango police Lt. Ray Shupe said it doesn’t appear Abeyta is doing anything illegal by offering free rides, but he is accepting a lot of personal liability if something were to go wrong with passengers on-board.
“I always encourage people to get home safely,” Shupe said. “Going out and celebrating on New Year’s is never a problem. It’s always how you get home and being able to get home safely.”
In addition to relying on Abeyta’s charitable contribution, New Year’s Eve revelers have several options this year to make it home without driving. They can walk, take a taxi or call the Buzz Bus. If none of those options is feasible, residents should consider designating a sober driver, getting a hotel room or staying with a friend.
The Durango Police Department considers New Year’s Eve a high-impact holiday, meaning it will be fully staffed doing DUI enforcement, monitoring the downtown bars and responding to house parties and noise disturbances, Shupe said.
He encouraged residents to designate a sober driver. Most bars offer incentives to designated drivers by providing free sodas or other nonalcoholic drinks.
“There will be lots and lots of officers out for New Year’s, for sure,” Shupe said.
New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest times of the year for taxi companies.
Durango Cab will have five or six taxis in operation, as well as the Buzz Buss, which has a contract with the city of Durango to offer rides within city limits. The cost is $8 for a single passenger and $4 for additional passengers.
“The last two years, drivers were going nonstop until about 5 a.m.,” said Laura Haddon, dispatcher with Durango Cab. “It’s chaotic, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”
The cab service plans to avoid Main Avenue, which means customers will have to meet taxis somewhere off the main thoroughfare. During busy nights, people tend to hijack other people’s cab on Main Avenue, she said.
“We highly recommend they put in reservations,” Haddon said.
As if offering inebriated celebrants a free ride home weren’t enough, Abeyta said he’ll also have water and snacks available for passengers.
shane@durangoherald.com
Need a lift?
Durango resident Brad Abeyta said he will offer free rides to and from the downtown bars starting at 3 p.m. New Year’s Eve through the weekend. To request a ride, call (720) 300-2257.
Durango Cab, which operates taxis and the Buzz Bus, can be reached at 259-4818. Reservations are encouraged.
New Year’s Eve events in La Plata County
Purgatory Resort: At 2:30 p.m., head to Purgy’s for live music by Liver Down the River. Then around dusk, catch the torchlight parade coming down the mountain followed by fireworks. The festivities will continue until about 1 a.m.
Puttin’ on the Ritz at The Pour House (725 Main Ave. Durango): Head down to the Pour House (Derailed) for a trip back to the roaring era with balloon drop, party favors, a trip giveaway, music by Rob Wester’s one-man band and champagne. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $25 tickets online or $30 at the door.
Live music at Balcony Backstage (600 Main Ave. Durango): Around 9 p.m., catch some live music by Space Wail. It’s only $5, and if you make it to midnight, there’s a complimentary toast.
Wild Horse Saloon (601 East Second Ave.): A show by the Desert Thunder Band will start at 8 p.m. and go until about 12:30 a.m. There will also be party favors, free food and a free champagne toast at midnight. It’s $10 for anyone older than 21 and $20 for those 18 to 20. There are also table reservations available for $50 per four-top table (plus the entry cover). Email info@durangowildhorsesaloon.com to reserve a table.
Sky Ute Casino (Ignacio): The Sky Ute Casino will serve a prime rib buffet dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a performance by the High Rollers. Tickets are $30/person or $50/couple and can be bought at www.skyutecasino.com, by calling (888) 842-4180, at the Sky Ute Casino Gift Shop or at the door. Must be 21 or older.
The Lake House Bar & Grill (17460 County Road 501, Bayfield): Lake House Bar & Grill by Vallecito will have a special New Year’s Eve menu, live music by Eric Keifer starting at 8 p.m., party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations call 884-9150.
Live music at Billy Goat Saloon (39848 U.S. Highway 160, Gem Village): Welcome 2016 by playing bar bingo at The Billy Goat Saloon. It will start at 7:30 p.m. and includes lots of prizes followed by a toast at midnight.
Ska Brewing World HQ (225 Girard Street, Durango): Catch some folky rock and R&B with The Assortments from 5 to 7 p.m. to go along with your Ska pints and food from The Container. www.skabrewing.com.
