CONTENT PRESENTED BY Nevada Department of Public Safety

Stay safe. Take a rideshare instead

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For most Las Vegans, driving is the most dangerous activity we’ll do all day. In addition to the usual risks associated with driving, impairment is the No. 1 cause of fatal crashes in the state, comprising more than 50% of Nevada’s total fatalities. Any level of impairment affects judgment and reaction time, making safe driving impossible.

“Lives are on the line each and every time we get behind the wheel,” said Andrew Bennett, Zero Fatalities Program Manager. “Choosing to not drive sober puts lives at risk over something that could be covered by a $20 rideshare. We must do better.”

In a city as busy as Las Vegas, there is simply no excuse for driving under the influence. Here is what you need to know about impaired driving and tips for getting home safely.

The financial cost of a DUI

The true cost of driving under the influence can’t be quantified because lives are at stake. But if you were to ignore the safety risks and examine just the financial burden of being caught while driving under the influence, the Nevada Highway Traffic Association estimates a DUI costs about $10,000. The cost of multiple DUIs multiplies from there. Meanwhile, the typical, non-surge rideshare won’t run you more than $20-$25.

Example rates from a rideshare price estimate calculator:

Las Vegas Strip to Henderson: $23.52

Las Vegas Strip to Summerlin: $20.04

Las Vegas Strip to North Las Vegas: $13.30

If you spend $50 on rideshares every single weekend, it would still take almost 4 years to rack up a bill equaling the cost of one DUI.

Types of impairment that affect driving

Anything that affects your perception will affect your ability to drive. This isn’t limited to alcohol—impairment as a result of drug use, such as marijuana, is another major issue on Nevada’s roadways. In fact, poly-impaired driving (alcohol combined with marijuana, prescription and/or recreational drug usage) is more common than single-substance impaired driving. Nevada law dictates that two nanograms of active THC in your system qualifies as impaired and .08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is considered over the limit.

According to Nevada Per Se law, you can be arrested and convicted of a DUI even when you’re under the THC limit or under the legal BAC. If you’re showing signs of observable impairment, you will get a DUI. Further, Nevada law does not differentiate penalties between marijuana and alcohol-related DUI arrests—all DUIs have the same consequences.

Make a plan before partaking in substance use

Alcohol and marijuana alter perceptions and can create a false sense of confidence. Make a plan to get from point A to point B before you partake, to ensure your best judgment is being used.

Designate a sober driver

Utilize a friend you can count on to take the guesswork out of transportation.

Take a rideshare

Uber and Lyft are convenient options for getting around safely when you’re partying. On major consumption holidays, you can take advantage of the Las Vegas Coalition of Zero Fatalities partnership with Lyft—this groundbreaking coalition offers discounted rides on many key holidays.