Impacts of Subsidized Ridesharing on Drunk Driving, Alcohol Consumption, and Mobility

Last updated: April 10, 2025
Sponsor: Columbia University
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Alcohol Use Disorder

Treatment

online shopping voucher

ridesharing voucher

Clinical Study ID

NCT04949711
AAAT0912
1R01AA029112-01
  • Ages > 21
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The purpose of this research study is to understand people's alcohol use in public places and their risks for harm. The overall goal of this study is to test the effects of subsidized ridesharing as an intervention to reduce self-reported alcohol-impaired driving, along with alcohol consumption and changes to mobility.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • ≥ 21 years old

  • Reside in a study city

  • Have a driver's license

  • Have access to a motor vehicle

  • Have consumed alcohol in a bar in the last 30 days

  • Own a smartphone

  • Read English

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Non-English speaking participants

Study Design

Total Participants: 7034
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: online shopping voucher
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 01, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
April 04, 2025

Study Description

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 13-25 years in the US, and approximately 31% of all fatal crashes involved some alcohol use. Several peer-reviewed studies have found that ridesharing was associated with fewer alcohol-involved crashes and DUI arrests. Theories of behavioral economics provide a clear theoretical mechanism by which ridesharing will reduce alcohol-involved motor vehicle crashes compared to other private transportation. However, while ridesharing may be an effective intervention to reduce alcohol-involved crashes, it may simultaneously increase alcohol consumption. This study will assess the impacts of subsidized ridesharing on impaired driving, alcohol consumption, and mobility. Participants will be randomized to either receive a rideshare voucher or an online shopping voucher, and effects on alcohol impaired driving and alcohol consumption will be measured. A GPS sub-group will use a custom smartphone application for GPS tracking to measure mobility.

Connect with a study center

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center

    New York, New York 10032
    United States

    Site Not Available

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