Don't Drive Home Drunk From the San Angelo Rodeo, Instead Get a Ride With Rick!

SAN ANGELO, TX — A local law firm is trying a unique new method to prevent drunk driving and raise awareness of this serious problem. 

This weekend, attorney Rick DeHoyos is offering the opportunity for anyone at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo that has a little too much to "Get a ride from Rick". DeHoyos explained, "We represent the victims of DUI accidents. So, we see the devastation they can cause. But it is so easy to prevent. This is a new way to send an old message, and if just one person makes a better choice, that would be great." 

The DeHoyos firm has partnered with Red Ball Taxi. Those eligible can call Red Ball from the fairgrounds this Friday or Saturday night and say "I'm getting a ride from Rick". 

Red Ball will take them to a safe destination at a reduced rate, and provide them a receipt to send to DeHoyos to be reimbursed up to $20. 

Red Ball owner Max Jacobs said, "We are glad to take part in this. The $20 Rick will reimburse covers most any fare from the coliseum to town. We hope that if nothing else, it reminds people that Red Ball is here to give them a safe alternative to driving when they shouldn't."

[[{"fid":"27484","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Rick DeHoyos","title":"Rick DeHoyos","height":"675","width":"1200","class":"media-element file-default imgbody"}}]]
Above: Rick DeHoyos

DeHoyos is hoping to not only save lives, but also he’s aiming to prevent unnecessary injuries.

DeHoyos said in his personal injury practice, he has witnessed how DUIs impact the victims. “Many times, the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured and there’s not much money left to care for a victim with major injuries.” To be considered an insured driver in Texas, one only needs a $30,000 policy limit, DeHoyos said. That minimum amount of coverage was set many years ago, and medical costs have risen considerably since.

“Just the initial hospital visit to the emergency room can exceed the policy limits,” he said.

DeHoyos hopes the “I’m getting a ride from Rick” offer will save lives and prevent serious, and expensive, injuries. Learn more about his law practice here.

Jacobs at Red Ball isn't sure how much the promotion will increase his business, but he said he's ready for any influx of requests from the rodeo this weekend.

Every week, we report on DUI incidents in San Angelo. Click here to read them.