The fight against drunk driving

Every year, thousands of people are killed and countless more are injured when people make the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. Impaired driving continues to be a major problem facing America -- but it is not, by any means, unsolvable. By exercising personal responsibility and securing alternative methods of transportation, the catastrophic effects of drunk driving can be prevented, and thousands of lives can be saved.

1-800-TAXI-USA is committed to helping keep the streets safe from drivers under the influence, and is currently collaborating with local communities and anti-DUI organizations to help promote responsible drinking and curb the national problem of impaired driving. Together we are encouraging would-be drunk drivers to call a taxi, and we are fighting to save lives.

America under the influence

1-800-TAXI-USA has compiled statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD) in order to further illustrate the national drunk driving problem:

Drunk driving facts

• The 21 to 34 year-old age group is responsible for nearly 60 percent of all alcohol-related traffic crashes (NCADD, 2012).
• Each year, police arrest over 1.5 million drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol (NCADD, 2012).
• In 2011, there were 9,878 fatalities in crashes involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher – 31 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year (NHTSA, 2012).
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The new designated driver

The average DUI conviction will cost you approximately $1,600 in fines -- not including legal fees, vehicle damage, personal injuries, medical costs, higher automobile insurance rates, loss of license, and imprisonment. In addition, DUI convictions stay on your record forever, causing embarrassment, and negatively affecting your career. Considering these consequences, that $20 cab ride doesn't seem so bad after all.

You can help prevent drunk driving by making the decision to drive responsibly. The decision is easy, and it is one that can easily save your life, and the lives of your friends and family. Taxi usage is an intelligent alternative to driving under the influence, and is effective in reducing alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries. If you are ever out for a night on the town drinking and need a ride, please be responsible. Find a designated driver or call a taxi. Together we can help bring the nation's DUI statistics down.

Our efforts to encourage responsible driving are expanding across the United States. Additional national and local area partners are now being recruited.