AAA South Jersey provided the town’s bars, restaurants, and event spaces with vouchers for rides with Uber, up to $25 off, so partygoers could arrive home safely. \n
Jan 3, 2024 | Community
VOORHEES, N.J. – AAA South Jersey’s partnership with Haddon Township, New Jersey last New Year’s Eve weekend to promote the dangers of drinking and driving was an overwhelming success. AAA South Jersey provided the town’s bars, restaurants, and event spaces with vouchers for rides with Uber, up to $25 off, so partygoers could arrive home safely.
According to Haddon Township Police Chief Tim Hak, there were no DUI incidents or investigations in town during the campaign.
AAA South Jersey made available nearly $5,000 in Uber ride vouchers from Saturday, December 30 at 2 p.m. through Monday, January 1 at 4 a.m. All users had to do was scan a QR code posted inside Haddon Township’s many bars and restaurants to accept the voucher.
In total, 300 revelers scanned and accepted the voucher. Of those 300, 73 took advantage and received their free or discounted Uber ride. For most riders – 63% -- the ride was completely free.
“This partnership with Haddon Township and the Haddon Township Police Department was a massive success in our shared goal of keeping our roadways safe for motorists, pedestrians, and all users. With the popularity of ridesharing apps, there is no excuse to ever drive intoxicated,” AAA South Jersey spokesperson Matt Bowker said. “We look forward to expanding this program in the future.”
In 2022, 27.4% of fatal crashes in New Jersey involved some extent of alcohol consumption, according to the New Jersey State Police. Of all drivers killed, 11.7% were legally intoxicated.
Among 689 fatal motor vehicle crashes in New Jersey in 2022, driving while intoxicated was listed as a contributing factor in 206 of them, resulting in 229 deaths. Of those 229 people killed were 48 pedestrians who had consumed an alcoholic beverage, according to NJSP.