Does Uber Really Reduce DUI Rates?
Reports of Uber having a hand in reducing DUI arrests across the country have been released in recent weeks. In fact, we ourselves have touched on the subject. While it makes sense on the surface, the data is not altogether there. In fact, there is no direct connection between Uber usage and a drop in drunk driving that has been proven.
In 2015, a study was released by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Uber. The study reported that ridesharing has an impact on reducing the rate of DUIs because it offers an alternative to people driving themselves home after having consumed alcohol. Uber ride requests tend to rise around bar closing. This is a fact. What is not a fact is that Uber has had any impact on DUIs in Georgia or elsewhere.
The report goes on to state that thank to Uber, 1,800 crashes had been prevented since the summer of 2012. How can that be proven? The short answer is that it can’t be. It does stand to reason that someone may choose Uber instead of driving home after a night on the town, but it also stands to reason that an equal number of people won’t choose Uber simply because they don’t want to spend the money for a ride.
The CDC reports that there has been a dip in drunk driving related fatalities across the nation. While Uber has taken off in the past year, the decline in DUI fatalities has taken place in the years before Uber was available. To credit the ridesharing program with the decline in fatalities would be presumptive at best.
Uber certainly provides a useful service. If the company has truly had an impact on the number of people that drive while intoxicated, they deserve praise. Unfortunately, there is currently no proof that the information is accurate.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta, you are facing consequences that you may wish to avoid. Call Hawkins Spizman Fortas today for immediate assistance. We will review the details of your arrest at no cost to you and advise you of your options under Georgia law. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.
