The Assessment of Ride Service Programs as an Alcohol Countermeasure

Harding, Wayne M.; Apsler, Robert; Goldfein, Jamie · 1988 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1988 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assesses Ride Service Programs (RSPs), also known as Safe-Ride or Dial-A-Ride programs, as a countermeasure against alcohol-related traffic crashes. The study was motivated by the lack of comprehensive data on these programs, which provide alternative transportation for intoxicated drivers who might otherwise drive. The research aimed to identify the types of RSPs existing across the United States, determine essential operational features, collect descriptive data on selected programs, and analyze potential problems and solutions. The researchers identified 325 verified RSPs across 47 states and the District of Columbia through contacts with NHTSA regional offices, state officials, and trade organizations. A subset of 52 programs was selected for intensive study based on criteria such as unique features, success, and duration of operation. Data were collected via telephone interviews, review of written materials, and site visits to 12 programs. The analysis focused on staffing, transportation methods, funding, advertising, rider eligibility, and operational costs. The findings indicate that RSPs are widely available and relatively easy to establish. Approximately 58% of programs operate year-round, with many functioning 24 hours a day. They are operated by diverse entities, including cab companies, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Most programs (95%) provide rides at no cost to the rider, with average annual operating costs of $9,225. Funding sources include donations from media, fees from drinking establishments, and fundraising activities. On average, programs delivered 841 rides per year, though this varied significantly. Riders were predominantly males aged 20–30 leaving public drinking establishments. While 86% of program spokespeople viewed their programs as successful and reported declines in alcohol-related incidents, the study found no rigorous evidence linking these declines directly to the programs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of RSPs in reducing Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) remains unknown due to a lack of evaluation studies and poor record-keeping by many programs. The report concludes that while RSPs are frequently used and widely supported, their actual impact on DWI reduction is unproven. Operational challenges include staff motivation, program abuse by ineligible riders, and inadequate data collection. The authors recommend future research to rigorously evaluate program impact, determine the proportion of riders abusing the service, and identify methods to improve effectiveness and data reliability.

Key finding

Ride Service Programs are widely available and frequently utilized but their effectiveness in reducing driving while intoxicated remains unknown due to a lack of rigorous evaluation studies.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 52

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• dui enforcement

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation