When ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft entered the market, they disrupted the long-stagnant transportation business. This new, convenient, and affordable way of getting from here to there shook up how the general public thinks of getting home after a night of drinking. But did rideshare apps actually cut down on drunk driving?
Unlike most crimes that require acting intentionally, driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) can be committed accidentally. Whether you thought you were sober enough to drive home, you didn’t think you would get caught, or you weren’t actually driving while intoxicated, Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel can build a strong defense for your case. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Gabriel will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career.
How Rideshare Apps Like Uber and Lyft Have Affected The Rate of DUIs
The data on whether rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have actually cut down on the rate of DUIs isn’t yet concrete. While many studies and evidence suggest that with the influx of ridesharing came a significant decrease in drunk driving, other findings imply that Uber and Lyft might not be deserving of such praise.
For instance, one study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology found there is no correlation between Uber’s operations in large cities and a decrease in drunk driving fatalities. The study looked at one hundred of the most populated urban areas in the United States between 2009 and 2014.
During their analysis, researchers David Kirk of the University of Oxford and Noli Brazil of the University of Southern California were unable to relate to a decline in DUI traffic deaths overall or during peak drinking hours with Uber’s operations. There are several reasons why Uber might not have had much impact, including the following:
- Ridesharing apps are just one more transportation option and not necessarily a replacement for a drunk driver’s own car.
- Inebriated people often do not make rational decisions, and they may forego paying to hail a car in favor of using their own car.
- The ratio of Uber drivers to potential drunk drivers is far from even. While there are several hundred thousand active Uber drivers in any given month, there can be over 4 million drunk drivers on the roads during the same time frame.
The next time you plan a night out drinking with friends, assign someone the role of a designated driver or plan to take public transportation or a taxi to and from the venue. Choosing Uberpool can help you save some money by getting a ride with other travelers heading in the same direction.
It may not feel like it, but even one drink can show up on a breathalyzer test. Although these tests are rarely accurate, they are still heavily influential to police officers who are deciding whether to take a DUI suspect to the police station for further testing.
Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney For Help Fighting a DUI Accusation
Defend a DUI accusation in Florida by working with a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has dedicated his career to criminal defense, placing a special emphasis on DUI defense in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida.
Start with a free consultation today by calling Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575. You can also complete an online contact form to learn more.
