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Sharing a ride

By Jeff Terrill

Fort Wayne Reader

2016-10-24

For many, football season means watching games and drinking. Whether you are tailgating at the stadium or watching at the bar, avoid driving if you’re intoxicated. We all know that impaired driving leads to arrests, accidents, injuries and deaths. Even though traffic enforcement in Fort Wayne appears to be at the lowest level in decades (more to come on that topic in the future), there’s really no reason to ever take a chance.

Getting a ride in Fort Wayne is even easier now that Governor Pence signed a bill last year legalizing app-based ridesharing companies in Indiana. Powerhouse Uber operates in many Indiana cities including Fort Wayne. Its main competitor, Lyft, operates in the Indianapolis area, according to its website.

I know several loyal Uber customers. I also know an Uber driver who moonlights on weekends. Uber touts its safety features on its website, which include criminal background checks on its drivers, driving record reviews, vehicle standard enforcements and mandatory auto insurance requirements to name a few.

So consider downloading a ridesharing app. That way, you will be ready if you find yourself in a bind or need to get a ride for a drunken friend. You can see a photo of your driver and read reviews from other customers before your Uber driver picks you up. You can see the fee estimates and wait times on your phone before you book. Rider’s credit cards are charged automatically and no cash is exchanged. Tips are welcome but my understanding is that they are not expected. After the ride, you can submit your on-line review of your driver. Drivers can rate riders, too.

Football season is a blast. Adult beverages seem to taste even better on Saturdays and Sundays. Games are long – it’s easy to have a bit too much to drink. Don’t take any chances. If no one in your group wants to be a designated driver, get everyone to pitch in and hire a ridesharing driver with a big SUV.

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Jeff Terrill is a partner/shareholder with the law firm of Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C. Mr. Terrill represents clients accused of crimes throughout northeast Indiana. You can contact Mr. Terrill with any questions or comments at his office at 260.420.7777 or via email at jterrill@fortwaynedefense.com. Learn more about his firm at www.fortwaynedefense.com. This article expressed opinions and observations of the author, is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. Please consult a qualified attorney with any legal questions or issues you might have. Thank you