Bibb coroner gave 99 people safe New Year's rides

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones gave 99 people a ride, some more than once, New Year's Eve and early New Year's Day in hopes of keeping drunken revelers off the road.

Jones started offering the free shuttle service -- using a van and gas paid for out of his own pocket -- a couple of years ago. More than 50 people have taken advantage of the rides each year.

Soon after waking New Year's Day, Jones said he's already making plans to rent a mini bus next time to better handle the demand that doubled ridership this year with his offering to pick riders up and take them to parties and then return to take them home.

"It's the way to do it," Jones said of partygoers letting someone else drive. "Stay out from behind the wheel if you're intoxicated."

Jones' rented 15-passenger van made 29 trips between 5 p.m. Thursday and 4:15 a.m. Friday, he said.

As in years past, Jones prepared for sick passengers, stocking supplies in advance.

To contact Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.

This story was originally published January 1, 2016 at 9:30 PM with the headline "Bibb coroner gave 99 people safe New Year's rides ."