By MATT CHANDLER
mchandler@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1654

More than 3,000 people are arrested every year in Erie County for Driving While Intoxicated. The lucky ones pay a fine and may lose their licence. The unlucky may find themselves behind bars, having injured or killed innocent bystanders. One local law firm is hoping to minimize the number of impaired drivers on the roads of Western New York New Year's Eve.

The Law Offices of William Mattar are joining forces with Designated Drivers of Buffalo to make sure as revelers welcome in the New Year with cocktails in hand, no one feels the need to get behind the wheel while impaired.

Mattar is underwriting the cost of free rides home for those in need this New Year's Eve. From Midnight until 4 a.m., anyone within the City of Buffalo who is in need of a ride home can call 713-7703 and receive a ride home within 20 miles of Buffalo.

This is the third year the program has been offered and thanks to Mattar's involvement, will come at no cost to those needing a ride.

"We hope that people in the community will take advantage of this great opportunity to keep the roads safe in Buffalo this holiday season," William Mattar said.

To learn more about the Designated Drivers of Buffalo program, founded in 2008, visit www.ddobny.com