This weekend, once again, Sunflower Diversified Service’s New Year’s Taxi service will be available to ensure that Barton County partygoers make it safely home.

The taxi will again run from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, according to Scott Donovan of Eagle Radio, the taxi’s promoting sponsor.

The taxi service’s mission, according to Sunflower Diversified CEO Jon Prescott, is driver safety. “If it reaches the point where they’re unable to drive, we’re here to get them home safely.”

However, the taxi is not to be used to shuttle celebrants from one party to another.

The cost for the taxi is a minimum $5 donation. The number to call, as in past years, will be 620-639-TAXI (639-8294).

The service has been provided for many years, and was initially operated by local law enforcement personnel. Now, it is volunteer-operated, and is backed by several community businesses.

For several years, advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving have stressed that making the decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous choice.

“The tragic loss of life from driving impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is 100% preventable,” notes Steven Cliff, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations’ deputy administrator. “I urge everyone to plan for a sober ride home.” The federal agency notes that about one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers. 

To that end, law enforcement officers at the state and local level will be stepping up their efforts to take impaired drivers off the roadways.

According to Donovan, Haz-mat Response Inc., Z’s Liquor, Miller Plastics, The Center for Counseling and Consultation, and Stone Sand/Stone Waste Management are also business sponsors of this year’s taxi service.