The number of DUI arrests in Arizona has dropped steadily over the last five years. And authorities believe car services like Uber and Lyft have played a big part.
Alberto Gutier, director of the Arizona Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety, credits officers and DUI task forces. He says five years ago there were fewer officers on patrol throughout the state but more DUI arrests. In 2012, police arrested 32,174 people on DUI charges. That number has dropped steadily to 26,060 arrests in 2016.
Gutier said there’s no question that ride services like Uber and Lyft also have made a huge difference.
“It’s easy,” Gutier said. “You put it in your phone. You press two buttons, and they’ll show up. And it’s not a huge price. In comparison to a DUI, it’s more than worth it.”
He said a DUI can cost as much as $10,000.
