Rideshare safety during the holiday party season

The holiday season brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, from office parties to family gatherings and nights out with friends. And for many people, those celebrations include a drink or two.

Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail with your coworkers or enjoying a nice warm mug of mulled wine with friends and family, if you’re drinking, you shouldn’t be driving. In most states, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal for drivers 21 and older. But alcohol can affect your driving ability well before you reach that limit. That’s why arranging a sober ride is the safer choice if you plan to drink.

If you’re out at a party and you’ve been drinking, taking a rideshare home is a great alternative to driving yourself. It lets you enjoy the evening without worrying about getting behind the wheel after drinking. If you’re planning to use a rideshare this holiday season, a little preparation can help make the experience safer and less stressful. Here are some tips on how to plan your rideshare strategy, what to do when you order a ride and what to do in the possible event that even your rideshare ends up in an accident.

Drinking and Driving: The Rideshare Option

A rideshare can make getting to and from holiday parties easier, especially when you plan to drink. Rideshare apps make it easy to request a ride, although availability and wait times can vary. Some rideshare services also let you schedule a pickup in advance if you know when your event will end.

Here are a few things to take care of before heading out.

Set up the Rideshare App Before You Leave

Many platforms require several setup steps, such as downloading an app, creating an account, adding your personal details and verifying phone numbers and payment options. It’s worth taking the time to set this up before you leave the house so you aren’t scrambling or delaying your departure from a party.

Plan Ahead

Consider when you’re going to need a ride home from a party. If you know you’ll be drinking, consider taking a rideshare both ways. 

Remember the Golden Rule

If a friend or coworker has been drinking, consider helping them arrange a safe ride home, too. Some rideshare apps let you choose if a ride is for you or for someone else. 

Plan on Alternative Options, Too

If you find you don’t have good cell service, your phone battery dies or your rideshare platform isn’t working, it’s good to think of alternative plans ahead of time. Walking home after drinking isn’t a safe alternative, either. Poor visibility, heavy traffic and unfamiliar surroundings can create additional risks. 

When traveling in groups, designating a driver who can stay sober is still a smart move for a late-night event. Calling a taxi service is also a strong backup to a rideshare app. And if you’re in a metro center, plan ahead for what your public transportation options are if you need a fallback. 

Tips When Ordering a Rideshare at a Party

When it comes to ordering the ride itself, there are a few things you want to make sure you’re thinking about, especially if you’ve been drinking and may have compromised judgment. Here are a few precautions to take before and during your ride:

• Match the vehicle and license plate. Rideshare services should give you basic information about your driver. Just because a car, truck or SUV looks right doesn’t mean it’s your ride. Make sure to match the make and model as well as the license plate ID against your booking details every time.
• Confirm your driver’s details, too. Rideshare services are set up to be safe, but you should follow protocol if you want a secure trip. Along with verifying the vehicle, you can check the driver’s ID. Don’t ask if they are who you think they are. Instead, ask for their name and see if it matches the name in your app. Look at the driver’s photo, too, and compare it to their face before entering the vehicle.
• Enable extra verifications for your ride. If you want to be extra safe, set up PIN verification when available to help confirm your ride. That way, you always know you’re locked in with the right driver before you pull out.
• Be safe about pickup locations. Just because you aren’t driving doesn’t mean you’re safe on the road, especially if you’ve been drinking. It’s important to pick safe places where you can find, check and enter a vehicle safely. Choose pickup locations with good lighting. Make sure these are away from moving traffic, too.
• Wait indoors until your driver arrives. Rideshare services are typically fast and efficient, but just like any transportation option, they can be delayed. Whenever your circumstances allow you to wait indoors, do so. During the holidays, this can be warmer, and late at night, it can be the safer option, too.
• Share your trip details. Many rideshare apps let you share your route and estimated arrival time with someone you trust. Consider using this feature, especially when traveling alone or late at night.

What To Do If Your Rideshare Gets in an Accident

Taking a rideshare is a responsible alternative to driving after drinking, but accidents can still happen. If that happens, you want to follow the right protocols. Many of the steps are similar to those you’d take after any car accident, but rideshare passengers may have additional insurance considerations. California personal injury firm DK Law lays out the next steps in the event of a rideshare crash. Here’s the short version:

• Report the crash. Once a police report is created, request a copy of the report for your own records.
• Seek medical attention. This is always a priority. You might have injuries that require an ambulance. Even if you don’t, factors like whiplash can become a problem later on. Work with medical professionals to make sure you’re managing any injuries and symptoms properly. 
• Gather evidence right away. While you’re at the crash site, take photo evidence of the vehicles, visible damage and the surrounding scene. If you have significant injuries, ask someone else to do this. If you make a claim with insurance or the rideshare service, they will ask for these. 

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney. Depending on the circumstances, multiple insurance policies may be involved, and determining which coverage applies can be complicated.

Using Rideshare Services for Holiday Parties

Holiday parties are a great chance to cut loose and relax. If you’re going to drink, though, make plans ahead of time to get home from a party without needing to drive. 

A rideshare is a great way to do this, but if you go that route, remember that you’re minimizing risks and complications, not eliminating them. Plan ahead, confirm each ride when it arrives and do everything you can to be safe and responsible in the event of an accident.

Must be 21 to purchase. Please drink responsibly. 

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.