Uber and Binge Drinking

Uber and drinking binges!!

From” https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2019/11/20/new-study-shines-light-ubers-effect-binge-drinking?utm_source=morning_brew

I subscribe to Morning Brew - a daily news summary.  This article (out of Morning Brew) indicates that heavy binge drinking grows when Uber comes to town.  Huh?

But, as I thought about it, it makes sense.  If I go out drinking and get too drunk to drive home (which, by-the-way has never happened), I’ll call a cab.  But Uber is more user-friendly and generally cheaper.  

The article states: “A study published last week analyzed ridesharing's effects on binge drinking. Turns out, heavy drinking (three-plus instances of binge drinking per month) jumped 9% on average within a couple of years following Uber’s arrival in a new market. 

• In cities without public transportation, instances of binge drinking shot up around 20%.  
• Employment at bars and restaurants increased 2% on average. “

Another related article states: “Some of that change is for the good—a 2017 study showed that alcohol-related car crashes in Portland, Oregon, dropped 62% when Uber resumed operations after a temporary break. “

So, it is okay to get skunk-drunk if you get a cheap ride home.  

Interesting