How Uber, drivers, riders, and MADD are helping to reduce drunk driving this summer

As Memorial Day approaches and summer travel begins, drunk driving typically increases. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about one-third of all traffic fatalities throughout the year in the United States. But the times around holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July consistently see spikes in these incidents, making safer transportation options critical throughout the summer.

For more than a decade, Uber and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have worked together to help reduce impaired driving. This summer, that partnership continues with a renewed focus on awareness, education, and real stories from people helping to keep roads safe: Uber drivers and MADD ambassadors and leaders across the country.

Meet Uber drivers Akiem, Candice, Debra, Elia, and Rodney. In these short videos, meet the hard working drivers who help prevent impaired driving in their communities. 

"I feel like I really am doing a service, getting people home who have taken the responsibility of calling me…”

- Rodney, Uber Driver

What riders are saying

To better understand how ridesharing influences decisions, Uber commissioned a Morning Consult poll in March 2025 among US Uber riders. The findings reinforce the role that ridesharing plays in reducing impaired driving:

Drunk driving remains a major concern: Nine in 10 riders say drunk driving is a problem in the US, with 58% calling it a major issue.

Uber is seen as part of the solution: 90% of riders say Uber has helped reduce drunk driving and made it safer to get around.

Riders rely on Uber to avoid impaired driving: 82% of riders say they use Uber as their designated driver on a night out, and 78% say people use Uber as an alternative to drinking and driving. Additionally, 71% of riders say they’ve requested an Uber ride to prevent someone from driving under the influence.

Riders plan ahead to use Uber when going out: 71% say they sometimes or always plan to use Uber before going out and drinking. If they find themselves away from home after drinking, nearly half (48%) say they would request a rideshare service like Uber to get home, compared with 18% who would call a friend and 6% who would walk.

Ridesharing is seen as the most effective tool to reduce drunk driving: When asked what methods are most effective, a majority of riders selected ridesharing (57%), ahead of DUI checkpoints (31%) and education campaigns (10%).

More options are helping to reduce risk: 79% of riders say services like alcohol delivery on Uber Eats provide an alternative to driving after drinking.

Families see the benefit: Among all parents surveyed, 94% say they’re glad their children are growing up with Uber as a transportation option, and 94% of parents with children of legal drinking age say it gives them peace of mind knowing their child has a safer way to get home.

This summer, Uber and MADD are building on their long-standing partnership to amplify safer choices during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. By elevating driver and community voices, expanding awareness efforts, and encouraging riders to plan ahead, the goal is simple: make it easier for people to choose not to drive impaired.

Across the country, riders are already making a more intentional decision to choose a ride instead of taking a risk. And behind every one of their trips is a driver helping them get home safely.

Uber is proud to continue this work alongside MADD and the communities we serve.

To learn more about Uber’s commitment to safety on the roads, visit uber.com/road-safety.