Uber has always been touting its services as a great alternative to drunk driving, largely targeting young adults that often go bar-hopping. It has become an appealing transportation option for a lot of people that are aware of the consequences of driving under the influence, and has probably helped take a lot of drunk drivers off the streets. Now, Uber wants to ramp up its efforts for preventing this extremely dangerous and risky driving behavior, teaming up with Breathometer, the start-up that makes devices that measure a person’s blood alcohol content through a smartphone app.
The popular ride-sharing service has announced in a blog post on its website that it is starting a partnership with Breathometer, which is the latest project involving collaborations between Uber and organizations that are actively involved in the battle against drunk driving. Previously, Uber has been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the NFL, promoting smarter and safer transportation alternatives to getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
With this partnership, Uber’s application will be integrated into Breathometer’s application, to allow people using the Breathometer app to call Uber directly through it in case they had too much to drink. The Breathometer app will have an Uber button, that will be displayed to drivers if they register .04% blood alcohol concentration level on a Breathometer breathalyzer. If the Breathometer device shows at least .04% BAC, it immediately suggests to get a ride with Uber, which is one of the three suggested options in the “Get Home Safe” feature on the Breathometer app. Next to Uber, the app offers the “Call a cab” and the “Designated driver” options, with Uber now being offered as a first suggestion.
In addition to the “Get Home Safe”, the Breathometer app has a “Stay Nearby” feature, as another alternative to drunk driving, recommending drivers to get a room at a nearby hotel, grab some food, or engage in some other activity until drivers’ blood alcohol level drops.
The “Get Home Safe” feature can be activated in two ways. One is by accessing it by hand through the app, and the other provides automatic access when the breathalyzer registers .04% or more. Uber said that the “Uber” option on the Breathometer app has been used far more frequently than the other two options in the “Get Home Safe” feature. Almost 54% of those who have accessed the “Get Home Safe” feature, have chosen Uber as an alternative to driving under the influence, since the app was launched.
Partnering up with Breathometer and engaging in the battle against drunk driving even more actively is part of Uber’s efforts for improving its public image, which has been hit with numerous scandals and controversies lately. The ride-hailing service is trying to present itself as a responsible company that wants to help improve road safety and prevent risky driving behaviors such as drunk driving, shaking off the bad publicity that paints it as an aggressive company that only cares about making a profit.