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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Every year hundreds of people are killed in DUI-related crashes across the nation.

Two years ago, Men's Health Magazine ranked Colorado Springs the third-drunkest city in the country, citing DUI arrests.

In 2007, in Colorado Springs officers arrested more than 1,300 people for DUIs before July. That same year, 34 people died in DUI-related crashes in the Springs.

Now, a local group of volunteers are hoping to lower those numbers by offering a new service to the area.

It is called Designated Driver of Colorado Springs and its volunteers aim to decrease DUI-related numbers across the board by giving those who drink alcohol in local bars and restaurants a free ride home.

Since its launch in January of this year, Nonie Rispin, founder of Designated Driver, said the organization has given around 1,800 rides.

"It is hard to calculate statistically how many lives we have saved out of 1,800 rides, but I am pretty sure there are quite a few," Rispin said.

What makes Designated Driver unusual, Rispin said, is the fact that they do not charge for rides and will drive your car home as well.

She said people are more likely to call for help if it is free and convenient.

"With it being free and us driving their cars home, there is really no excuse for getting a DUI. We feel we have addressed every potential issue someone might come up with," Rispin said.

As Designated Driver continues to grow, Rispin's volunteer base is also expanding. She said each one of her driver's has a passion for keeping the community safe and added even though they have to work late nights and weekends they would not have it any other way.

"I consider myself to be the luckiest person I know because I wake up every morning excited that I get to go to work, and whether I talk to two people in a day or 200, I know I could have potentially saved lives," Rispin said.

To learn more about Designated Driver of Colorado Springs click here. 

To learn how you can help support Designated Driver of Colorado Springs click here.