The holiday season is one the most enjoyable times of the year. From parties with family and friends to shopping some of the best sales – there is so much to celebrate. However, many celebrations end in tragedy every year when crashes occur as a result of drinking and driving, which could have easily been avoided.

Year after year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that some of the deadliest nights on the road due to drunk driving occur during the holiday season. Between 2011-2015, over 14,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the month of December, according to NHTSA data. Of this total, 28 percent died in a crash that involved a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are teaming up once again to empower people to make the right choice. Hundreds of thousands of Uber driver-partners will be on the roads during some of the busiest drinking nights to help prevent people from getting on the road after they’ve been drinking. And for our driver-partners around the country, making sure that people make responsible choices and get home safe is a very personal quest.

“My son, Christopher, was killed by a drunk driver in May 2013, and I think about him every day as I get behind the wheel to drive with Uber. It only takes one bad decision at the end of a night to take a life and destroy a family like mine – the decision to drive instead of getting a ride home.  By partnering with Uber, I’m proud to help make that safe choice easier for students and residents in Baton Rouge.” – Victor, Baton Rouge Uber partner

“It gives me the satisfaction that the rider is getting safely to their destinations while keeping them comfortable and warm. Being able to enjoy this time of the year with friends and family without worrying about driving, gives me the enjoyment and pleasure to know that I might have saved a life this holiday season.” — Jackeline, Chicago Uber Partner

“As a rideshare driver, and a three-time victim of impaired drivers, I will happily be your designated driver when you want to have a night out with no worries. Let us all pledge to keep our friends and families safe from drunk or drugged drivers this holiday season. Please don’t put my family or yours at risk!” — Heather, Phoenix Uber partner

This holiday season, we are working with MADD and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the dangers associated with alcohol impaired driving and are encouraging people to take the pledge to leave the keys at home if their plans include alcohol. Whether you are using Uber or relying on a friend to be your designated driver, help spread the word by submitting a picture, video, or comment via social media using #LeaveTheKeys.  

By providing a reliable ride at the push of a button — no matter the time or place — we are proud to empower people to make better, safer choices. We’ve seen that when people have a reliable alternative to get home safe, they choose not to drink and drive.

So before popping that bottle of champagne or taking the first sip of eggnog, plan ahead and coordinate how you and your loved ones will get to and from the night’s festivities. Choose a designated driver and don’t get behind the wheel.

This holiday season and every day, commit to make smart choices. Take a stand with Victor, Jackeline and Heather and pledge to #LeaveTheKeys at home when celebrating.

Uber is proud to be selected as the Official Designated Driving App of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. To learn more about our partnership, visit our website.