Drunk driving is a serious offense that is punishable by jail time and hefty fines, but people still take the risk of driving while drunk because they don’t want to take the time to call for a taxi. As DUI defense attorneys who have handled many DUI cases, we’ve seen several instances in which a simple taxi ride home from the bar could have saved innocent lives and thousands of dollars in legal fees. That is especially surprising considering the amount of smartphones apps that can easily provide the difference between getting home safe and spending the night in a jail cell. We recommend these 5 apps that can prevent drunk driving.
Smartphone Apps that Can Help Prevent Drunk Driving
Uber
Car services and limos can be expensive but Uber is a cheaper option. Use the app to request a ride and a nearby driver will head to your location using your phone’s GPS. There is no phone call necessary and you don’t have to know the exact address of your location. If you register your credit card, you will be billed automatically after you are dropped off. The app can even split fare between you and your friends. Uber makes sure to hire quality drivers but users can also rate them through the app to separate the best from the best.
Lyft
If you don’t like taxis and are looking for a more personal experience, Lyft is the alternative for you. Anyone with a reliable car and clean record qualifies to be a driver. The mandatory rating system weeds out the unfriendly drivers. With Lyft, you get to ride in the front seat and you might even befriend your driver. When you arrive at the drop-off location, the app will suggest how much to “donate” to your driver based on the distance traveled. Riders can edit their donation and are asked to rate the driver before they can request another ride through Lyft.
Taxi Magic
Many people charged with DUI say, “I couldn’t find a number to a taxi.” Taxi Magic takes the hassle out of finding a cab. You can request a pick up right away or set a later time. The app will find nearby taxi services and give you an estimated fare. All you have to do is confirm. Cabs can be tracked as they drive to your location and you can register a credit card to pay easily. It is the most convenient way to call for a taxi.
Alcohoot
“I didn’t drink that much so I thought I was okay to drive,” drunk drivers frequently say. Alcohoot eliminates that excuse. For $99, users can purchase a pocket-sized Breathalyzer that accurately measures blood-alcohol content levels. At about a quarter the size of an iPhone, the machine plugs into an Android or iOS device and gives you the information you need to make a smart decision. The app even lists nearby taxis and restaurants for further persuasion not to drink and drive.
Mr. Checkpoint
If all these apps fail, you can count on Mr. Checkpoint. The Android app lists the locations of DUI checkpoints throughout California. Unfortunately, Apple will not allow apps that reveal checkpoint locations but iPhone users can sign up to get text alerts.
How Wallin & Klarich Can Help You
These apps can help you avoid the stress of a DUI charge but if you have already been charged with DUI, it is important to contact a skilled DUI defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, we have over 30 years of experience successfully defending persons accused of DUI and other drunk driving offenses. Call us at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245. We will be there when you call.
