A study from researchers at Oxford University as well as the University of Southern California disputes earlier assumptions about Uber and safer roadways. The study looked at 100 different metropolitan areas and determined that there were no fewer alcohol-related traffic fatalities before or after the service became available. Uber had previously touted a survey it took in conjunction with Mothers Against Drunk Driving on its website.
That study found that people believed that their friends were less likely to drink if Uber was available. Another study found a link between traffic fatalities and the availability or ride-sharing apps. However, the studies done by the team from USC and Oxford controlled for a number of factors such as laws that may also play a role in causing drunk driving fatalities.
They also looked at the accident rate during the week and the accident rate on weekends and holidays. In both scenarios, there was no evidence that fatalities declined when Uber was available in a given market. The team thinks that people may not want to pay money for a taxi when they have their own vehicle. It is also possible that drunk people aren’t thinking clearly when deciding to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Drivers who have been charged with a DUI could face a variety of penalties. First, they may spend time in jail or prison as well as receive a fine. They may also receive a license suspension after which they must pay to have the license reinstated. It may be possible for an attorney to reduce or eliminate such penalties by obtaining a plea agreement or outright acquittal. The latter may be done by getting physical evidence suppressed or casting doubt on witness or police testimony.
