Uber rewarding Kiwis who pledge not to drink and drive

By Solbin Kang

NZ Herald·

9 Dec, 2015 11:01 AM3 mins to read

Taxi company Uber says Kiwis who pledge to not drink and drive this summer will be rewarded with $10 off their Uber ride home. Photo / Dean Purcell

A popular taxi company is rewarding Kiwis with a discounted taxi fare if they pledge to not get behind the wheel when they've had a few drinks.

Taxi company Uber says Kiwis who pledge to ... "have a safe night out this summer, to drink responsibly and not get behind the wheel when I've had a few" on their social media will be rewarded with $10 off their Uber ride home.

Cheers! a part of the The Tomorrow Project, has partnered with Uber to create this initiative.

The Tomorrow Project chairwoman Jenny Cameron said it was vital to plan ahead for the festive occasions.

"At this time of the year, everyone wants the chance to celebrate, without the downsides of overdoing it.

"It's easy if you plan your night and think about how you will pace yourself," she said.

"And the very best time to think about how you will get home is before you go out."

She also advised party-goers to eat a proper meal and start drinking later in the evening.

Uber community engagement lead AJ Tills said people made smarter decisions when they had access to reliable and affordable rides home.

Taxi Federation executive director Roger Heale said the discounted fares were a great initiative.

"A lot of people do not understand the new alcohol laws.

"So anything that contributes to the decreasing risks of people drinking and driving, we are totally in favour of," he said.

He recommended everyone to think twice about getting behind the wheel after drinking.

"Take a ride home. The cost is irrelevant next to losing your licence and your reputation."

He also reminded party-goers that they would be equally liable to be over the limit the next day after a night of heavy drinking.

New Zealand Transport Agency road safety director Ernst Zollner said the organisation applauded positive efforts to encourage smart choices and keep New Zealand roads safe this summer.

"It's the time of year when people will naturally be out celebrating the season, and we don't want anyone's summer to be marred by tragedy.

"When you're behind the wheel you need to be sharp and focused, and even after just a few drinks your ability to drive safely is affected. Getting a lift home with a sober driver is the right choice for safer roads this summer," he said.