Uber Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Policy Jill Hazelbaker told Flexible Work News that through its partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the company is helping to eliminate impaired driving.

"Uber is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with MADD in our unwavering commitment to eliminate impaired driving," said Hazelbaker. "We're proud to be part of the solution to ending alcohol-related crashes by making it easy to make the right choice."

According to MADD, Uber, MADD, and Anheuser-Busch launched their "Decide to Ride" initiative in 2021. The campaign aims to prevent drunk driving by changing consumer behavior. Anheuser-Busch used its wholesalers to display "Decide to Ride" messaging across the country, debuting at NFL games. Uber provides regional discounts encouraging consumers to "decide to ride," rather than driving while intoxicated.

Research has found that Uber’s entrance into certain markets has corresponded with a decline in motor vehicle injuries and DUI arrests, according to Medium. Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) reported that there was a substantial decrease in DUI arrests and motor vehicle injuries after Uber entered the Houston market in 2014. "After Uber came to Houston, motor vehicle collision traumas decreased by 23.8% on Friday and Saturday nights for all ages, and 38.9% for individuals under 30 years old," according to Medium.

Uber and MADD initially began partnering in 2015 to encourage consumers to utilize available transportation options, rather than driving while impaired, according to Medium. "The more options that are available, the easier it is to make sure that if you drink, don’t drive," said MADD National President Alex Otte.

Last year, Uber pledged $500,000 toward impaired driving reduction efforts in five states with a high volume of fatalities due to impaired driving: Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas, according to an announcement from Uber. The funds are dedicated to discounted and free rides, engaging with local partners, and expanding the Decide to Ride initiative. "We are proud to be working with Uber to support programs that prevent alcohol-related traffic fatalities and to work toward a world with no more victims of impaired driving," said MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart.

Prior to joining Uber, Hazelbaker worked in communications and public policy for Snap Inc. and in European government relations for Google. She also previously served as Press Secretary to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2009. She is on the Board of Trustees for the McCain Institute.