Jill Hazelbaker, Uber's Chief Marketing Officer, announced a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to focus on raising awareness about the critical importance of impaired driving prevention. This statement was made on the MADD website on December 17.
"We're proud to partner with MADD to raise awareness about the critical importance of impaired driving prevention," said Hazelbaker, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Policy.
During Impaired Driving Prevention Month, MADD and Uber launched a joint campaign aimed at combating impaired driving by raising funds and awareness. From December 17, 2024, to January 3, 2025, Uber riders can donate directly to MADD through the Uber app. Uber will match donations up to $250,000. These contributions are intended to fund MADD’s efforts in prevention education, advocacy for stronger impaired driving laws, and free support services for victims and survivors.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that drunk-driving deaths increase significantly during the Christmas and New Year holidays. December drunk-driving fatalities in the U.S. have recently reached their highest levels in 15 years, underscoring the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that ridesharing services contributed to a 6.1% reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities and a 4.0% reduction in total traffic fatalities in the United States. The research utilized Uber’s proprietary data and highlighted that these reductions are most pronounced during nights and weekends.
According to their website, Uber was founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick in San Francisco. It began as a ride-hailing service and has since expanded to include food delivery via Uber Eats, freight transport, and other offerings. By 2024, Uber operates in more than 70 countries and 10,500 cities, serving over 150 million active users each month.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was established in 1980 by Candace Lightner after her daughter tragically died due to a drunk driver. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, MADD is dedicated to ending drunk driving, supporting victims, and preventing underage drinking. Since its founding, the organization’s advocacy efforts have contributed to a 50% reduction in drunk driving fatalities and saved an estimated 300,000 lives according to their website.