Tackling Holiday Drunk Driving with MADD

Yesterday, we held a press conference with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, a group of local safety officials, and other community partners at the Hartford Police Department to raise awareness about the dangers associated with alcohol-impaired driving over the holiday season.

“Drunk driving is a tragic reality throughout the entire year,” said Matt Powers, General Manager for Uber Connecticut. “However, the holidays pose a specific challenge to public safety, making the work of groups like MADD even more important. This holiday season, plan ahead and coordinate how you and your loved ones will get to and from the night’s festivities.”

Some alarming statistics were discussed at the press conference. According to data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 10,265 people died from alcohol-related crashes in the United States in 2015, including 103 deaths in Connecticut.

In addition to our national partnership with MADD encouraging people to choose safe rides to and from holiday parties, we’re taking things a step further in Connecticut and asking residents to take the pledge not to drink and drive, as part of our #LeaveTheKeys campaign.

For the 3rd year in a row, we’re also supporting MADD’s annual Tie One On For Safety campaign (celebrating its 30th anniversary this year), encouraging Connecticut residents to place a red ribbon on their cars to remind other drivers about the importance of safe, responsible driving.

We’re proud to continue this important work with MADD. Since 2014, we’ve worked together on safe-ride promotions on Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, St. Patrick’s Day, and New Year’s Eve, and participated in the annual Walk Like MADD event and the Red Ribbon Campaign.

MADD’s mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. If you or someone you love has been impacted by drunk or drugged driving, MADD is here to help. Call MADD’s 24-Hour Victim Help Line at 877.MADD.HELP.

Uber is proud to be the official Designated Driving App of MADD. To learn more about our partnership, click here.