In all seriousness, this is dangerous. Uber is the way many drunk people have taken to getting home, and this will not stop drinking, only increase drinking and driving.
If a taxi company tried to do this, the government would pull their taxi licenses. Don't get me wrong, the taxi industry is awful, but this is worse.
But that’s somewhat the point isn’t it? Taxis are licensed and regulated in ways ride sharing isn’t. There’s a reason for that. Now- in a ride share you have regular folks using their own cars and relying on user feedback. A percentage of very drunk people are outright dangerous, some less so. Belligerent, distracting, fidgety and perhaps refusing to comply with orders like wearing a seat belt or partaking in potentially dangerous behavior like yelling or throwing things at people which the driver could be liable for. Drunks are more likely to damage your vehicle or dirty it such as by puke or pee- and getting reimbursed for that can be difficult or impossible.
The status of ride share drivers as self regulated by and large means they are more or less on their own and liable for anything and everything that can happen. Uber itself could be brought to class suit as the entity which placed them there- but regardless drivers having poor experiences is a way to drive them away from the platform and kill the company or perhaps the industry and then there would o to be cabs again. Moreover- these relatively unregulated and untrained drivers also pose a potential threat to drunk customers. Robbery, rape, or any number of ways to take advantage of a significantly drunk person.
The logistical challenges of dealing with drunks are well known as well- counting on them to be at the meeting point, notice the vehicle, be courteous or on time, not cancel, remember they even ordered an Uber, not be abusive, etc. etc. more ways to make the driving experience unpleasant and waste the time and hurt profits of drivers this removing profits incentive to provide service. In a spiral, as the profit incentive dwindles the quality of drivers attracted tends to fall more and more to those who will do anything for money which then effects the quality of the platform and safety of the rider which in turn effects user base and repeat...
I’m not sure how or if they intend to differentiate but there’s a difference between having too many drinks to drive (for me that is 1 sip any time that same 24 hour period,) and being piss yourself drunk. I believe this move is aimed more to the latter than the former.
As to taxis refusing drunks- they can and do. US, Canada and elsewhere allow taxi drivers to refuse fare so long as the fare isn’t being refused for race, religion, or other protected status. “Drunk” is generally not such a status- try suing a company for refusing to hire you/firing you because you’re drunk. That ones not usually protected against discrimination. In any case a passenger is clearly a danger or is being abusive, unruly, or a nuisance they can be refused without question. This is for the safety and prosperity of all involved- provider and customers as a group.
The responsibility falls on YOU to have secured a safe way home or designated driver before you drink not on the spot. If you are too drunk to drive and cannot find transport then be prepared to find accommodations. Plan ahead- if the bar closes at 3, consume within limits and stop consuming with enough margin to sober up before then. If all else fails- call the police. If they do not arrange a cab or take you home they can throw you in the drunk tank. What’s better- risking dying or killing someone- or going to jail for intoxication? Actions have consequences and people need to plan ahead or be ready to deal with the consequences.
Many argue against my logic but those who drink and drive because they couldn’t get a ride or because they didn’t want to pick up a charge are no different than any other criminal who would put another human life in danger to avoid facing the consequences of their criminal actions. It’s a classic example of how we look at a person who does something we wouldn’t see ourselves doing and vilify them- but if their actions are like our own we consider t a minor offense. People are very easy going about drinking but it’s a big deal with potentially huge consequences and shouldn’t be treated lightly.
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· 5 years ago
Sensationalized headline: check
Lack of any other info whatsoever: check
Old news from over a year ago: check
Emotional response that triggers tribal comments: check
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Uber filed last year for a patent for the feature that would use algorithms to detect things like drunkenness or tiredness. With the feature included, the app chooses drivers who have indicated they are comfortable carrying drunk passengers. Pickup and drop off locations may also shift to better lit areas for driver and passenger safety.
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There has been no news about this since June of last year.
For me the point of Uber (lyft) is usually to get to or from the airport, or to get around a town where it’s not worth renting a car- and sometimes it’s just convenient to not take a car somewhere and what not. I’ve never actually used a ride share because I was drunk- if we go out drinking we always make sure to have a designated driver so that we know everyone can enjoy themselves and be safe.
If a taxi company tried to do this, the government would pull their taxi licenses. Don't get me wrong, the taxi industry is awful, but this is worse.
Lack of any other info whatsoever: check
Old news from over a year ago: check
Emotional response that triggers tribal comments: check
.
Uber filed last year for a patent for the feature that would use algorithms to detect things like drunkenness or tiredness. With the feature included, the app chooses drivers who have indicated they are comfortable carrying drunk passengers. Pickup and drop off locations may also shift to better lit areas for driver and passenger safety.
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There has been no news about this since June of last year.