The impact of Uber on reducing drunk driving has been a subject of research and discussion. Several studies have suggested a potential correlation between the availability of ridesharing services like Uber and a decrease in drunk driving incidents. The convenience of requesting a ride through a smartphone app may offer an alternative to individuals who would otherwise choose to drive under the influence.
For example, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2016 found that the introduction of Uber in certain cities was associated with a decrease in alcohol-related car crash fatalities. However, it’s essential to note that correlation does not imply causation, and other factors could contribute to changes in drunk driving statistics.
While some studies suggest a positive impact, the overall effectiveness of Uber in reducing drunk driving may vary depending on factors such as location, cultural norms, and the availability of alternative transportation options. It’s an ongoing area of research, and researchers continue to explore the relationship between ridesharing services and alcohol-related incidents on the roads.
A New Study About Rideshare and Drunk Driving
What the Study Reveals:
The 2021 study conducted by the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth affirms that rideshare apps, particularly Uber, play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of drunk driving crashes, especially among younger drivers. The study, spanning 12 years, focused on trauma cases at two Houston centers and drunk driving convictions in Harris County, both pre and post-Uber introduction in January 2014.
Key Findings Include:
- A remarkable 38.9% reduction in motor vehicle crash traumas among individuals aged 30 and younger.
- Shift in the geography of drunk driving convictions, with a notable decrease within the Houston metro area post-Uber.
- A consistent downward trend in impaired driving convictions starting February 2014.
- Reduction in drunk driving convictions related to weekend nights following Uber’s introduction.
Implications for the Future of Drunk Driving: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a renowned nonprofit organization committed to ending drunk driving and supporting victims, anticipated these results. Having partnered with Uber since 2014 to promote safe and convenient alternatives for sober rides, MADD sees this data as proof of Uber’s success in combating drunk driving in Texas’s largest city and the fourth-largest in the U.S.
While these positive trends are promising, the reality is that some drivers still choose not to leverage rideshare services responsibly. If you find yourself a victim of a drunk driving accident in Texas, seeking legal counsel is crucial. Beyond criminal liability, drunk drivers can face civil liability, allowing victims to seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Take Action Today: Call Herrman & Herrman
The fight against drunk driving is ongoing, and your voice matters. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, Herrman & Herrman personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process. Don’t delay; seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a consultation and let us advocate for your rights.
In 2015, Study Finds that Uber and Rideshares Did Not Reduce Drunk Driving.
Cabs, Ubers, and other rideshare opportunities are great ways to get around whether it be day or night. Uber is one of the most popular rideshare apps, and at the end of 2015 there had been a total of one billion Uber rides taken. With more than 50,000 drivers added monthly, it would make sense that more people are using Uber to be more responsible while on the road. However, a recent study by researchers at Oxford University and the University of Southern California showed that the service has yet to reduce drunk driving.
The study which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology compared data across the United States from before and after Uber debuted on the app market. Despite that the app makes it easier to get a sober driver for you and your friends to and from your own doorstep, it concluded that ride-sharing didn’t decrease the rate of drinking-related fatalities or fatalities on holidays and weekends which are popular drinking dates.
Some believe that people have simply chosen to use Ubers over cabs, and that is why there has not been a significant change in accidents, but the rideshare app creates a great opportunity to avoid a tragedy. Corpus Christi’s City Council has recently passed regulations to require stricter background checks for Uber’s drivers. This would keep the citizens of Corpus safer while they are using the rideshare app. Uber has threatened to pull out of cities that pass regulations on the service. Uber’s main competitor, Lyft, says it will cooperate with any regulations the city passes. Currently Uber is not available in Corpus Christi due to their “unnecessary” regulations. In a letter written to the Corpus Christi’s City Council by Sarfaz Maredia, Uber’s general manager in South and East Texas wrote, “The proposed ordinance would require drivers to complete unnecessary and duplicative steps that make it difficult for them to earn extra money and hurt our ability to ensure that riders have access to reliable and affordable transportation.”
DWI offenses in Texas are expensive, you can face serious jail time and your license can be suspended. If you drive while intoxicated you could also cause injury or death to yourself or others. Even though the app has not had a great impact on drunk driving fatalities and is not operating in Corpus Christi you can always do your part to protect yourself. Always designate a driver or volunteer to be a designated driver. Always use your safety belt, avoid travel after midnight on the weekends and drive defensively. If you are in a city that has ride share apps operating, download the apps “Uber” and “Lyft” to have a designated driver sent straight to your doorstep.
