SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The CHP and other law enforcement agencies will be out in full force Tuesday, keeping an eye out for New Year's revelers who choose to drink and drive.

Checkpoints and saturation patrols will be set up around the county, and partiers are being urged to designate a driver.

"Make sure you have a sober driver before you go out. That way you don't have to put yourself in a situation when the night is over that you're getting behind the wheel while you're intoxicated," CHP Officer Tommy Doerr said.

Of course, there is no need to get behind the wheel at all with the number of ride-sharing options now available. High-tech alternatives to hailing a traditional taxi cab include Lyft, Sidecar and Uber.

With these services, customers needing a ride first download the company's app on their smartphone. With Uber, you can choose three different levels of service, from a less-expensive standard sedan to a Pricer SUV for larger crowds. You can see in real time where the closest available Uber drivers are to your location, and with a quick tap, request one of them. You even see who your driver is, and what kind of car they're picking you up in,

Because you upload your credit card info ahead of time, there's no need for cash. You're simply billed later, including the tip.

"You get in, you get out. You don't have to worry about anything," Uber general manager Chris Ballard said.

Although keep in mind the price for an Uber ride fluctuates depending on the demand, so peak request times -- such as just after midnight tonight -- will be a bit pricier.

"If you can wait just a little while longer, keep checking your app as the prices do change dynamically. The later on in the evening as demand goes down, the lower the price is going to be for that ride," Ballard said.

Before you order your ride through Uber, there is a fare estimate feature as part of the app to get an idea of how much you'll be charged at any given time.

Excerpt from:

New ride shares can get you home safe for cheap