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Drunk Driving: Why High School & College Kids Should Use Uber / Lyft

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I was at an end of school year event last night, and a few of the parents had kids who had recently gotten their driver's license, or were headed off to college in the Fall.

The biggest worry amongst the parents? Drunk driving.

In fact, the CDC reports that high school students drive drunk over 2 million times each year. To remind us of that "sobering" fact, they put a wrecked car in front of the high school some years just before prom that had been driven by a drunk driver.

It's really shocking to see the shattered windshield, crumpled metal, and wonder whether anyone died in the "accident." By the way, aren't all crashes accidents? Nobody ever thinks it can happen to them.

While all these parents loved and trusted their kids / young adults, we collectively decided that even the most responsible, smartest kids are at risk. Why? Because when you mix kids and alcohol, bad decisions are made.

It's just a fact.

And, not being the "drunk driver" is only part of it, as it's really easy to end up in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Add in some peer pressure and FOMO ("fear of missing out," made worse by social media!) and you have a pretty good chance of being a driver or passenger in a car with kids who've been drinking.

So, instead of trying to change the world, we collectively decided on something that we could proactively do: get our kids a gift card for a ride share like Uber or Lyft.

These cards are really popular now, and you'll probably see them for sale at your local grocery store, mall or drugstore. (Of course Amazon has them, too!)

Using Uber or Lyft is also a lot cooler than calling your parents from a party because you don't want to jump into a car with friends who have been drinking.

While refusing a ride from a friend is always hard, It's a lot easier when you can say, "sorry guys, my Uber's on the way!" instead of, "are you sure you're OK to drive?" or, "my mom will be here in 15 minutes."

We also concluded that it was a good idea to include a friend in the plan, as it's better than leaving a party alone.

Speaking of that, if you're in a city, college, or popular suburb, an Uber or Lyft is probably under 15 minutes away, even after midnight.

Even though ride shares are crushing many taxi and limo services, they are much more practical, convenient, and usually a lot cheaper. In fact, when I checked with a local taxi service chain, the website quoted $40+ for a ride that costs under $20 with Uber.

Ouch! Obviously comparing taxis and limos with ride shares is not exactly the same (you don't want to pick up your prom date in an Uber!) but one potential huge benefit of this gig economy that we live in is that there's a network of safe drivers available for you and your kids.

Uber might be "killing" taxi and limo services, but it has the potential to save young lives, including those of our kids.

Anyway, I feel like I'll sleep better knowing that a $100+ ride credit is on our kids' phone when they do get their driver's licenses, and I'd like for ride share to always be an option when leaving off-campus college parties, too.

Also, remember that ride-sharing works both ways. Adults can participate as drivers and make a nice side-income (and also tons of potential tax breaks!) and if you drive late, you'll have the satisfaction of keeping drunk people off the roads.

So, why not load your kids' phone with a credit for a ride share app? They'll be much more likely to use it if they aren't paying for it.

SO, that's my tip, so as a parent, I hope you consider it!

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