Anheuser-Busch, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber, have launched a joint campaign on college campuses with the aim of preventing drunk driving on football game days this fall, called Decide to Ride!
Consumers who are aware of the campaign are 40 percent more likely to avoid drunk driving by using a ridesharing app to get safely to and from their destinations, according to internal campaign research developed by the coalition.
Just last year, through partnerships with 22 professional sports teams and 5 Live Nation venues, the coalition encouraged countless attendees at sports games, concerts, and festivals nationwide to sign its pledge to Decide to Ride. Nearly 12,000 consumers demonstrated responsible drinking by redeeming Uber ride-share discount codes offered through the campaign to take advantage of the safe ride-sharing option.
“Anheuser-Busch has been promoting a culture of responsible drinking for over a century, and we know there is still more to be done. The expansion of Decide to Ride to college communities aims to promote alcohol safety where we can create the greatest impact,” said Anheuser-Busch Chief External Affairs Officer Cesar Vargas. “Football season is a time for fans to come together. To ensure a future with more cheers for all, it’s imperative that we help college football fans get home safely. That’s who we are, and that’s what this coalition is all about.”
Throughout the college football season, the coalition and Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partners will be activating the Decide to Ride campaign in college communities around game days, leveraging various pop-ups, signage, and media promotions both on campus and in stadiums.
“As college sports bring together students, friends, and family from all over the nation, MADD wants everyone who attends game day to have fun! Please remember that it’s against the law to drink under the age of 21 and if you do choose to consume alcohol, leave the keys at home and make a plan for a safe ride before the first drink – designate a nondrinking driver, use rideshare or public transportation,” said Tess Rowland, MADD National President.
Over the last 35 years, Anheuser-Busch and its network of independent wholesaler partners have invested more than $1 billion in community-based programs and initiatives to prevent underage drinking, drunk driving, and other harmful uses of alcohol. This includes an investment of nearly $14 million since 1999 to support social norms programs that reduce alcohol harm and increase protective behaviors on college campuses. In 2021, Anheuser-Busch wholesalers also participated in alcohol education programs with 185 colleges and universities.
“We are proud to continue our work with Anheuser-Busch and MADD to remind fans to Decide to Ride,” said Kristin Smith, Head of Road Safety Policy at Uber. “There is never a reason to get behind the wheel impaired, especially with options like Uber, which studies show helps reduce impaired driving fatalities in our communities. Ahead of the fall football season, we want to make it easy for everyone to Decide to Ride.”
