California in general has one of the highest rates of car accidents throughout the state and many of us are used to getting bad news about the specifics of these cases. However, there is some good news that has recently come out: Drunk driving cases are decreasing. What is the cause of this? Experts point to many potential reasons it is decreasing, including the idea that ride-sharing programs have become so popular.
A closer look at drunk driving statistics today and yesteryear
In the state, and especially in Southern California, arrests for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have not just declined – they have declined dramatically. Note that there is no specific evidence that this drop in arrests is caused by ride-share programs, but anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that there is a link. How? Because there is a correspondence between drops in drunken and impaired driving and the implementation of ride sharing programs.
One study done by the University of California at Davis, and another done by the Moll Law Group, found that there was a 32% decrease in San Diego drunk driving arrests, and in San Jose there was a 28% decrease. In Los Angeles the decrease was 14%. This is over a two-year period following major ride-share programs being rolled out within a city.
Police may have evidence that this theory holds up
Police have stated that they have seen an increase in the number of Uber and Lyft cars that go through DUI checkpoints, especially on holiday nights and weekends. If we can assume that many of those vehicles are those that include people who have been drinking that would otherwise be driving, then it seems to indicate that ride-sharing vehicles could be helping.
We are not out of the woods
Unfortunately, though it seems that the statistics are getting better as the years go on, it is still a very serious issue. Though overall drunk driving arrests are on the decline, in the same period studied above, DUI fatal accidents that involved blood alcohol levels of at least 0.08% increased. This shows that though perhaps drunk drivers in general are less likely to get behind the wheel, those who are severely impaired may not be dissuaded.
Have you lost a loved one in a car accident?
If you have lost a loved one, or have yourself been injured, in any type of car accident then it may be time to talk to an attorney. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we offer a free consultation. All you have to do is call 909-982-0707 and we can get you started. Reach out today to find out what your options are.
