Use Ride Sharing to Avoid a DUI on NYE
According to some statistics, the number of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) traffic stops have decreased in certain states over the last 24 months. While numbers may be on the decline, it does not mean that law enforcement officers are any less alert for drunk drivers, especially during the holiday season and specifically during New Year’s Eve. With the introduction of new ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft, more individuals are using these services to make sure they get home safely.
While you may not have used these services this past New Year’s Eve, there is always room to plan for next year or even for your next night out. If you haven’t used a ride sharing service before, there are some things you should be prepared for:
- Be Prepared to Wait—Ride sharing requests are usually much higher during the holiday season, especially during New Year’s Eve. Because of this, it is important to give plenty of time between requesting your ride and actually needing it since wait times will inevitably be longer during holidays and special occasions.
- Expect to Pay a Surcharge—Surcharges can be applied on rides for several different reasons, most often due to the time of day that the ride is requested. If you are using a ride sharing service on a special holiday or between the hours of midnights and 3 a.m., be prepared for the extra cost.
- Ensure You’re Getting in the Right Vehicle—Since many people outside of drinking establishments or party venues will likely be requesting rides, make sure you and your party are getting into the right vehicle. The app you use to request the ride should tell you the name of your driver and other information, so you can confirm you’re getting in the right vehicle before taking off.
- Look for Discounts—When planning how to get home from a New Year’s Eve party or any other event, look for coupons for the different ride sharing services in your area. Many times, Lyft and Uber will offer discounts for new riders. For example, Lyft has offered over $50 in credits to new riders to use over a period of ten rides.
If you did not plan ahead for New Year’s Eve or cannot book a ride sharing service, always remember that AAA offers a free “Tipsy Tow” to help get you and your vehicle home safely.
