Independence Day is credited as the third deadliest holiday in the U.S., mainly due to drunk drivers over the course of the weekend. Independence Day closely follows New Year’s Eve and the Super Bowl.
Uber has started a campaign to ensure enough drivers are available to deal with the demand, and according to Uber’s press correspondents, people often prefer not to drink and drive, but that is not always the case when it comes to holidays.
One of the leading organizations looking to ensure families see their loved ones arrive safely at their destinations is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). It is a nonprofit organization with the objective of protecting families from drunk driving and preventing underage drinking altogether. MADD spokeswoman Amanda Eldredge stated that 2014 saw 164 deaths over the course of Independence Day, which is why they have recommended Uber as an alternative for getting home safe for the holidays.
Uber is now looking towards allowing people to make better decisions that will ensure their safety and the well-being of others by not driving while intoxicated.
Designated drivers made easy
Uber has asked its users to download the app and enter the code MADDDAL16 if they are committed to making “safe decisions over the holiday weekend and beyond.” Entering the code will trigger donation for MADD. They also allow users to pledge to the campaign directly by using the app through this link. After the first 1,000 pledges, a $2 donation per pledge will be sent for MADD, the organization behind the planning of hundreds of shared rides on July 4.
On the other hand, new Uber users in Nevada will be able to use rider coupons up until July 5. Local bars will also take part in the campaign, donating $1 to MADD per Uber ride that’s called to their locality. MADD can be reached through their website www.madd.org and on 1-877-ASK-MADD.
The AAA has also taken part in ensuring driver’s safety this July 4. A program named “Tipsy Tow” will be launched all over the state of Nevada, which will tow anyone home for free between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. To enjoy this service one can call 800-222-4357. The AAA encourages bartenders, party-goers and restaurant managers to provide this service if deemed necessary.
According to KENS5, smart transport services such as Uber and Lyft have shown to have a significant impact on the incidence of drunken drivers. In San Antonio, Texas, the arrests related to drunk driving have significantly dropped. In a period of ten months, ending June 2015, there was a total of 4,316 DWI arrests. A year later, the arrests have dropped to 3,237, a 25 percent. MADD have stated that Uber and Lyft cannot be directly addressed as the cause behind the decline in DUI arrests, but they stressed that the service needs to keep functioning to obtain real results.
In any case, it has been proven that designated drivers are an ideal solution to drunk driving. But the existence of services such as Uber and Lyft has allowed for people to keep having fun drinking while always having access to a reliable way to get home safe.
Source: Uber