Drunk Driving And Festive Seasons: Navigating The Risks As An Uber Passenger

As this festive season comes to a close, we are often soberingly reminded that the holiday parties and celebrations are often accompanied by a surge in drunk driving accidents. These accidents pose a significant risk to not just drunk drivers but anyone else in their vicinity on the road. Since Uber began in 2009, they’ve played a significant role in alleviating that risk, specifically around the holidays. 

In this blog we’ll take a look at some of the alarming statistics related to drunk driving during the festive seasons, the consequences of a DUI, methods of prevention (like taking an Uber) for driving under the influence, and the role of both an Uber driver and their passengers. Let’s begin! 

Alcohol/Holiday Related Facts And Statistics 

• In 2020, there were 209 drunk-driving-related fatalities during the Christmas/New Year’s period.
• Alcohol consumption spikes in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years.
• Alcohol Monitoring Systems found that over 450,000 monitored DUI offenders increased their drinking rates by 33% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
• On Christmas day in 2021, 36% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
• It’s estimated that 1,261 will die during the 2023 holidays.
• And more.

The effects of drunk driving can be catastrophic for everyone involved. Even if a drunk driver didn’t injure anyone else, a DUI can have serious legal implications on the rest of their lives. Jail time and legal fines aside, someone charged with a DUI may lose their job if it depends on their ability to drive, and their future job prospects may be limited with the charge on their record. This can hinder their ability to cover their living expenses. Due to the social stigma that surrounds a DUI charge, it can even affect one’s personal relationships with friends and family. If they share custody of their child/children, it can also compromise their custody arrangement with their co-parent. 

The Role Of Uber In Preventing DUIs

As we discuss the risks and staggering statistics associated with driving under the influence, it’s crucial to shed light on companies like Uber who offer a safe alternative to getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances. The company even allows you to create an event where you can send your guests vouchers for a safe and reliable ride home from your holiday party!

This safe method of travel for holiday party-goers has played a pivotal role in preventing fatal DUI accidents. In fact, a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2021 found that fatal DUI accidents decreased by 6.1% due to the use of Uber. It was estimated 214 lives were saved in 2019.

With today’s technology at our fingertips, an Uber ride is a few simple clicks away and it could make the difference between life and death. Whether your trusted designated driver decided to partake, or you yourself had one too many glasses of eggnog, you should never get behind the wheel intoxicated or allow anyone else to do so, if you can help it. 

Tips For Choosing & Ensuring A Safe Uber Ride

It’s also important to acknowledge that even though Uber is an innovative and convenient method of safe transportation, Uber drivers make mistakes too and can still pose a risk to your safety and well-being. Below are a few tips to ensure a safe Uber ride:

• Verifying the driver’s information before you get into their car. 

You should never give your name away. Ask the driver who they are picking up as they will have your information on the Uber app. You should also confirm their name, vehicle make, model, and license plate. 

• Utilizing safety features in the app as you see fit.

If you’re ever feeling unsafe, or an accident occurs, you can use the emergency feature in the app to call the authorities.

• Encourage your friends to be responsible passengers

If you’re ridesharing with friends, remind them to be respectful and courteous so that your Uber driver can provide as safe of a ride as possible.

• Ensure that your driver is focused and sober

While everyone should be able to rely on a rideshare driver to be of sound mind, and not under the influence of alcohol, it is still a possibility. If you feel that your Uber driver is driving under the influence, you should end the trip and exit the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible, then call 911. 

Legal Implications For Uber Passengers

If you are injured during a rideshare accident with a company like Uber or even Lyft, you deserve to be compensated! Depending on the severity of the accident, you could find yourself responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills for things like hospital stay, surgery, medication and more. This isn’t fair when you didn’t cause the accident!

Unfortunately, cases like these can get complicated, as the Uber or Lyft driver is typically the one found to be negligent, not the rideshare company. The good news is that Florida law requires these drivers to carry $1 million in liability insurance coverage, which can be used to cover the cost of your injuries. 

It’s important to work with an experienced personal injury law firm who can help you file a claim and retain compensation that is worth the value of your injuries!

How The Florida Law Group’s Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you’ve been injured during what should have been a safe ride home, the rideshare accident personal injury lawyers at The Florida Law Group can help! You shouldn’t have to pay for injuries you didn’t cause! Since we opened our doors in 1984, we’ve recovered over $1 billion dollars on behalf of accident victims who, like you, were injured because of someone else’s carelessness. Our team of skilled attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, so they are familiar with the tactics that big insurance companies and local courts will try to use on you. They will stand up for your rights, and fiercely advocate for your best interests! Call The Florida Law Group today to schedule a free, confidential consultation, and discover your legal options!