For more than a decade, rideshare drivers have done far more than provide transportation. Every day, Uber and Lyft drivers help residents, tourists, airport travelers, and nightlife patrons get home safely while reducing the need for impaired drivers to get behind the wheel.
Research suggests that the growth of rideshare services has been associated with significant reductions in DUI arrests across California, making rideshare drivers an important part of the state’s transportation and public safety network.
San Diego Saw One of the Largest Reported Reductions
According to research conducted by UC Davis and the Moll Law Group, San Diego experienced a 32% reduction in annual DUI arrests following the widespread adoption of rideshare services.
Before rideshare: 3,870 DUI arrests per year
After rideshare: 2,624 DUI arrests per year
Impact: 1,246 fewer DUI arrests annually (32% reduction)
If this trend continued over a decade, it could represent more than 12,000 fewer DUI arrests in San Diego alone.
California-Wide Results
San Diego: 32% reduction
San Jose: 27.5% reduction
Sacramento: 26% reduction
Los Angeles: 14% reduction
San Francisco: 14% reduction
Additional studies have found that rideshare services may be associated with a 3.6% to 11% reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities in certain markets.
Why Rideshare Has Helped
Before Uber and Lyft, many people had limited transportation options after a night out. Today, a safe ride home can be requested in minutes. Research shows rideshare demand peaks between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., the same hours historically associated with the highest rates of impaired driving incidents.
Surveys have found that up to 60% of riders report being less likely to drive after drinking because rideshare services are readily available.
A Critical Service for San Diego
Every year, rideshare drivers help move millions of visitors, airport passengers, convention attendees, sporting event guests, restaurant patrons, nightlife customers, and local residents. By providing an alternative to impaired driving, rideshare drivers help support safer roads while keeping San Diego’s economy moving.
The Bottom Line
Studies have reported up to 32% reductions in DUI arrests in San Diego, significant declines across major California cities, and reductions in alcohol-related crashes and fatalities in several studies. For more than a decade, rideshare drivers have helped connect communities, support local businesses, strengthen tourism, and provide a safer alternative to driving under the influence.
Rideshare drivers are not just moving people—they are helping keep California roads safer.
San Diego Drivers United
Built by Drivers. Led by Drivers. Supporting Drivers.
www.sandiegodriversunited.org
