Uber and Cheers partner to reduce drink-driving over Summer

MEDIA RELEASE

9 December 2015

Uber and Cheers partner to reduce drink-driving over Summer

Strictly embargoed until 00:01 10 December 2015: Uber and Cheers are encouraging partygoers to take a responsible drinking pledge this summer. With 70 needless deaths and 422 serious injuries resulting from crashes where the driver was over the alcohol limit or on drugs last year, the campaign will incentivise responsible behaviour to help reduce the number of these incidents over the summer period.

From today, Kiwis who pledge to “…have a safe night out this summer, to drink responsibly and not get behind the wheel when I’ve had a few”, on their social networks will be rewarded with $10 off their Uber ride home.

“Making a pledge is a great idea because the key to a fun festive occasion and lasting the distance is all about planning ahead” says Jenny Cameron, Chair of The Tomorrow Project, an industry-funded programme promoting a safe and sociable drinking culture.

“At this time of the year, everyone wants the chance to celebrate, without the downsides of overdoing it. It’s easy if you plan your night and think about how you will pace yourself. Perhaps start drinking a little later in the evening and resist the urge to keep up with others. Drinking lots of water and having low alcohol ‘spacers’ can really help. Plan to eat a proper meal and not just nuts and chippies or other snacks.”

“And the very best time to think about how you will get home is before you go out” says Jenny, “It’s not just about the risks involved in driving if you’ve been drinking over the legal limit. People sometimes make spur of the moment decisions to walk home or get a lift from someone they have just met. Having Uber cut the cost of a ride home is a great incentive to make good choices and Cheers! is delighted to be partnering with Uber to provide practical support and positive messages over the festive season.”

AJ Tills, Uber’s Community Engagement Lead adds, “We’ve seen in markets across the world that when communities have access to safe, reliable and more affordable transportation they make smarter decisions and don’t get behind the wheel after having a few. In 2015 we’ve already provided safe rides to over 120,000 groups from New Zealand streets between 12am and 4am.”

Vist uberpledge.co.nz to make your pledge and plan ahead for a safe night out this summer.

ENDS

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