Updated on: 2/23/2019
According to data published by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as many as 300,000 people drive while under the influence of alcohol every single day throughout the entire United States. As MADD points out, that’s enough people to fill the entire University of Phoenix Stadium – the location of this year’s Super Bowl – more than four times over.
So quadruple the number of people at the Super Bowl More than four times the number of people who will be attending this weekend’s game in Glendale, Arizona, put their own lives and the lives of other motorists at risk every single day in this country.
Thankfully, there is a bit of a silver lining in this daunting statistic; drunk driving overall is on the decline, particularly in cities where ride-sharing services – such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar – are available as an alternative mode of transportation.
In California, for example, drunk driving crashes have decreased at an estimated rate of 60 per month among drivers under 30 since UberX was launched in 2012.
Statistical Evidence Shows Uber's Ripple Effect
Overall, MADD estimates that the availability of rideshare services – which are much more cost-effective and convenient than traditional taxis – have helped prevent 1,800 alcohol-related crashes since 2012.
Younger consumers, particularly those who own smartphones, are the most likely to use rideshare services like UberX, which would explain why the emergence of these rideshare companies has had a significant positive impact on that particular demographic.
In some cities, such as Pittsburgh and Miami, data shows that UberX ridership is peaking during times of the day that are historically most dangerous when it comes to the presence of drunk drivers on the road. And a recent statistical analysis by Uber researchers showed that 75 percent of Uber rides on New Year’s Eve in Chicago were requested within 1/8 mile of establishments with liquor licenses.
In Seattle, drunk driving arrests have declined approximately 10 percent since UberX was launched in 2012, suggesting a similar pattern of behavioral changes to those discovered in other major cities.
Uber and MADD are working to create safer roadways and eliminate drunk driving collisions across the United States. This Super Bowl Sunday, Uber will be donating $1 for every trip when riders use the promo code: ThinkAndRide.
So be safe during the big game this Sunday by arranging a ride if you’re going to be consuming alcohol, and also be sure to use the above promo code to help raise money for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.