Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) CEO Stacey D. Stewart announced that MADD and Uber have partnered to support impaired driving prevention, advocacy, and victim services. This statement was posted on the MADD website on December 17.
"Uber has empowered millions to make the right choice by providing reliable alternatives to impaired driving, saving countless lives in the process," said D. Stewart. "This campaign provides a meaningful way to take action and support MADD's critical prevention efforts, advocacy work, and victim services. Together, we can continue making an impact and work toward a future with safer roads for all."
The campaign, launched during Impaired Driving Prevention Month, aims to raise funds and awareness to combat impaired driving. From December 17, 2024, to January 3, 2025, Uber riders can contribute directly to MADD through the Uber app. Uber will match up to $250,000 in donations. The funds will support MADD’s prevention education, advocacy for stronger impaired driving laws, and free services for victims and survivors.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the holiday season is a particularly dangerous time for U.S. drivers. Between 2018 and 2022, drunk driving resulted in 4,759 deaths during December. In December 2022 alone, there were 1,062 alcohol-related fatalities.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that ridesharing reduced U.S. alcohol-related traffic fatalities by 6.1% and total traffic fatalities by 4.0%. Using Uber’s proprietary data, these reductions are most significant during nights and weekends.
Uber is a San Francisco-based technology company founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. It offers services such as ride-hailing, food delivery through Uber Eats, and freight transport. By 2024, it operates in over 70 countries and more than 10,500 cities worldwide.
Philanthropy Roundtable reports that MADD was founded in 1980 by Candace Lightner after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, MADD aims to end drunk driving and support victims while preventing underage drinking.