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Uber, Breathometer Join Forces to Combat Drunk Driving

June 17, 2015 | Category: Blog, DUI

Some things happen in life that are out of one's control; however, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is not one of those things. Individuals who drink and get behind the wheel of an automobile consciously make that choice for any number of reasons.

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, Randall Spivey and his team of Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys are prepared to provide the compassionate and skilled representation you need to seek justice for your injuries or, in cases involving death, the wrongful death of your family member or loved one.

Companies, organizations and lawmakers in Florida and all around the country have been searching for ways to lower the number of drunk-driving related incidents. In fact, according to an article in Forbes, ride-sharing company, Uber has joined forces with Breathometer, maker of breath alcohol analyzers, to combat drunk driving by way of a smartphone app.

How Will the App Work?

Simply stated, Breathometer's app will permit those who download it to order an Uber ride directly from the app if the user believes he or she is over the legal drinking limit and/or possibly drunk.

The free download will work in conjunction with a Bluetooth breathalyzer that will send its findings with respect to the user's blood alcohol content (BAC) back to the app. If the individual's BAC is too high (half the legal limit or greater), he or she will be prompted to order an Uber automobile to take them home or the final destination of choice.

Keeping Drivers and Others Safe on the Roadway

Charles Michael Yim, CEO and founder of Breathometer, has noted that the app includes various options for an individual whose BAC registers .04 percent or higher, such as going to a local hotel, waiting for a suggested period of time or using alternate transportation. Under the transportation option, users will now see Uber listed as the first option, even before contacting a taxi or calling a friend.

Regarding the app, Yim stated, "Click it, and it will hail Uber automatically. We try to advocate to consumers to always make a smart decision. Play it safe." A report released by Uber and Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) shows individuals who have had too much to drink are making smarter choices that ultimately save lives when they are offered transportation options, such as Uber.

The report noted that ridesharing is impacting cities all across the U.S., and it specifically mentioned that Uber ridership in Miami is "peaking at the same hour that historically has been the worst for drunk driving."

Thousands of individuals under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol choose to operate motor vehicles every day throughout the country. Uber and MADD want drivers and passengers to be safe on the roads, and this app is an effort to help curb drunk driving and ultimately eliminate it altogether.

If you would like to learn more about your legal rights if you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.

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