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Ride services reduce drunk driving fatalities

On Behalf of | Sep 1, 2015 | Drunk Driving Accidents

Ohio residents may be interested in a new study claiming that rideshare services like Uber may help reduce the rate of drunk driving fatalities occurring in the U.S. Temple University researchers examined California data from 2009 through 2014 and discovered that Uber’s entry into new markets resulted in a decline of traffic fatalities attributable to motorists driving under the influence. Researchers found that the Uber X service resulted in a 3.6 to 5.6 percent decline in fatalities caused by alcohol-related accidents.

Considering that there are approximately 13,000 DUI-related fatalities each year, rideshare services like Uber could help save around 500 lives and $1.3 billion in economic losses each year. As part of a marketing strategy, Uber invested in a breathalyzer kiosk in Toronto to capitalize on the litany of bars located throughout the city. There have been several rideshare studies that support these findings, but this latest report is the first done by independent researchers.

The Temple University researchers claim that municipalities denying Uber and other rideshares access to local markets are manufacturing excess demand that results in more motorists drinking and driving. In addition, researchers concluded that there were no increases in non-alcohol-related crashes where Uber was available to consumers. According to this latest study, municipalities may benefit from embracing the restrictions on rideshares so that taxi companies are compelled to revamp and provide consumers with better service.

People injured in car accidents may want to speak with a personal injury attorney to determine the recourse that may be available. Legal counsel can examine the police investigation reports and other evidence in order to determine if the accident was caused by the negligence of another party. If so, it may be advisable to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages for the losses that have been sustained.

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