Driving drunks home -- in their own cars

A new service to help those who drink a little too much during the holidays is coming to the East Valley soon.

"The Drunk Drivers" has a new twist to the usual dial-a-ride: Michelle Malin and her staff will give you a ride home -- in your own car. One employee drives you, the other follows in a company car to return the driver.

Malin said, after hearing repeated stories about people having too much to drink and trouble getting home, she decided, "It's about time there was another way to get home, where you didn't have to feel like you were leaving your car. I just really want to change the way people think about drinking, driving and getting home."

The service costs $30 for the first 10 miles and $2.50 a mile after that.

"It's a $30 flat rate to come out, whether you're going a mile or the full 10, it's going to be $30," Malin said. "But compared to the price of a DUI -- about $10,000 or $12,000 for your first DUI between the lawyers and the fines -- I'm thinking $30 might be a fair choice."

The service will be available starting Dec. 1 anywhere east of State Route 51.

"I'll go as far as Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road," Malin said, "So I'm servicing all the golf courses. I know the gentlemen like to have a few beers sometimes when they're out there."

She hopes to expand to the West Valley in the future.

On the Net:

• www.thedrunkdrivers.com or call 480-266-2020