Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide an easily-reachable alternative to driving while intoxicated. Some studies indicate the availability of such services has worked to decrease drunk driving, while other studies claim there has been no discernable difference in some cities. Whether or not Uber or Lyft have had any meaningful impact on the number of DUI incidents may be a topic up for debate, but it’s known that people are still driving intoxicated, despite the availability of these services. This puts every driver and passenger at risk, including those using rideshare services.
NBC Los Angeles reports on a DUI suspect who slammed into a Lyft car, killing one person and injuring three more.
The crash happened at about 2:30 p.m. on March 23rd on the southbound side of State Route 163 near the uptown area of San Diego. The crash involved a white Mazda sedan, which was a Lyft vehicle and a 2016 Lexus sedan. Inside the Lyft sedan was the driver and two passengers. The Lexus carried only the driver. According to the CHP, the 21-year-old driver of the Lexus, only identified as a female, rear-ended the Mazda. She is suspected of having been under the influence of alcohol.
One person was ejected from the Mazda. The three others involved in the accident were all seriously injured and were hospitalized. One of the passengers in the Mazda was killed, he had been sitting in the backseat and was wearing a seatbelt.
The deadly collision remains under investigation.
