Today, the Riverside Police Department and Lyft, the fastest-growing rideshare company in the US, announced a new partnership aimed at reducing drunk or impaired driving across Cook County. The new partnership follows an impressive 31 percent reduction in the number of DUI arrests Riverside Police have made during the first six months of 2017 when compared to last year.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the safety, affordability, and convenience offered by ridesharing companies like Lyft have contributed to the significant drop in DUI arrests we have made so far this year,” said Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel. “We are excited to build upon these successes with Lyft by distributing promotional cards to local residents and encouraging them to take advantage of the valuable service the company provides.”
“As a company, we have always been committed to reducing drunk driving in the communities we serve,” said David Katcher, Lyft’s General Manager, Midwest. “With this new partnership, we are proud to know that Lyft is playing a role in creating safer roads and transportation options for residents all across the Chicagoland area.”
According to Lyft’s national data, nearly 99 percent of passengers think Lyft rides are safe, friendly places. Additionally, when it comes to DUI avoidance, 87 percent of passengers are more likely to avoid driving while intoxicated because of Lyft, and 48 percent of passengers use Lyft for friends or family who need assistance after drinking.
“Riverside Officers will be stapling the Lyft reduced-price promotional cards directly to the bond information sheet and distributing to passengers who are inside a vehicle who are also impaired and have no way home due to the driver being arrested. The cards will also be distributed to area restaurants that serve liquor to give to their customers that may need help in getting home safely,” said Chief Weitzel. “Riverside Police Department’s partnership with Lyft is to reduce impaired driving, it is simple as that.”
Riverside Police will begin distributing the promotional cards on Monday, August 14, 2017.