ESCANABA — OSF HealthCare’s LifeRides program will again offer free rides home for New Year’s Eve in Delta County.

Rides will be available from 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, through 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities.

The LifeRides program has been operating for more than 40 years in Delta County. Since its beginning, there have been no fatalities from alcohol-related traffic accidents in Delta County on New Year’s Eve, a trend organizers hope will continue.

This year, community members will have new and expanded ride offerings. Alog with DATA Bus, Get-A-Cab and Kacalo City Cab have joined LifeRides.

In addition to the free LifeRides program, the public is encouraged to celebrate safely by choosing a designated driver or planning to stay at a hotel or with friends and family rather than going out on the roads after they have been drinking.

LifeRides are made possible thanks to the support of the Island Resort & Casino, along with the Edward J. Sackerson Foundation, Escanaba area credit unions, Community Foundation for Delta County, M3 Insurance and Elmer’s County Market. Without them, it would not be possible for transportation to remain free on New Year’s Eve, the program noted in a news release.

Flyers are being distributed to local bars and restaurants with information regarding the LifeRides program so that phone numbers for a safe ride home are right at patrons’ fingertips.

Reservations ahead of time are encouraged for the DATA bus, which can be reached at 906-786-1186, ext. 1; Get-A-Cab at 866-438-2222; and Kacalo City Cab at 906-399-7176.