The growth of ride-sharing brokers like Uber and Lyft means even more options exist for New Year’s revelers to travel to or from party locations without risking an impaired-driving arrest.

The American Automobile Association said ride-sharing and traditional taxi cabs are the reasons it no longer sponsors Tipsy Tow service, under which AAA-affiliated towing companies took people and their cars on one-way trips to homes or hotels in northwest Ohio.

“We found that there are many alternatives in the region for residents to use to get home after an evening of celebrating,” said Kara Hitchens, a regional spokesman for the auto club.

That hasn’t kept the numbers of impaired drivers arrested by Ohio Highway Patrol troopers from increasing the past two years, however.

Staff Lt. Jerrod Savidge, assistant commander at the patrol’s district headquarters in Findlay, said part of the problem is certain drivers who “still aren’t getting the message,” but the patrol’s increasing attention to drugged — not just drunken — driving is also a likely factor.

“A long time ago, you [as a trooper] stuck your head in the window, and if you didn’t smell alcohol then they were on their way,” the lieutenant said. “Now it’s not just alcohol. There are so many more drug-related OVI arrests.”

On New Year’s Eve and Day three years ago, troopers statewide arrested 154 drivers for operating a vehicle while impaired. That increased to 221 the following New Year’s, and to 287 during last year’s holiday.

Statewide during that period, the number of impairment-related crashes also rose, but not by as great a percentage.

While ride-sharing services have become readily available in bigger cities, Lieutenant Savidge said, they’re not as common in rural areas, which may be why other safe-ride options are being maintained in places like Bowling Green and Findlay.

Safe Communities of Wood County is once again offering a free-ride-home service in Bowling Green called “Swallow Your Pride, Call for a Ride!” Rides can be arranged from Bowling Green locations to nearby homes from 11 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Monday by calling 419-823-7765.

Revelers who do chance getting behind the wheel in Wood County may attract the attention of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, which announced Friday it has received an Ohio Traffic Safety Office grant to pay for extra patrols during the holiday.

“Deputies will pay particular attention to violations such as driving under the influence, failure to yield, and speeding, all of which are leading factors in fatal crashes,” Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said in a statement. “There will be zero tolerance for driving under the influence and seat belt violations.”

In Findlay, Safe Ride Home has been operating for 14 years, starting with 23 people taken home for free on New Year’s 2004, and now is available on other holidays as well.

Safe Ride Home travel can be arranged by calling 419-425-3908.

People planning to hire Uber or Lyft rides should be aware that fares vary with real-time demand, and New Year’s Eve is typically such services’ busiest night of the year.

“Given we expect there to be millions of rides globally in just this one night, it’s likely fares will be higher than usual,” said Charity Jackson, an Uber spokesman. “Your best bet is avoid riding between midnight and 3 a.m. local time, as that’s when fares will likely be the highest.”

The auto club’s Ms. Hitchens, meanwhile, urged revelers to designate sober drivers or arrange rides in advance; to never ride in vehicles with impaired drivers, and to unflinchingly take car keys away from intoxicated relatives or friends.

“Impairment is not limited to alcohol. Drugs, even over-the-counter or prescription, may have side effects that cause impairment and could put yourself and others at risk while driving,” she said.

Those who find themselves away from home, with their own vehicle, in Toledo, and in no condition to drive still have an option courtesy of ABCO Services Inc., which once again will offer free one-way tow service from bars or party locations to vehicle owners’ homes.

Kim Poling, ABCO’s office manager, said the company provided seven such tow/rides last year.

“Our drivers donate their time,” she said, describing the program as a way “to give back to the community and keep people safe.”

The service is available from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve by calling 419-536-6123, Ms. Poling said, and reservations are not accepted beforehand.

Contact David Patch at dpatch@theblade.com or 419-724-6094.

First Published December 29, 2017, 12:00 p.m.