SCRANTON -- When Anthony Arnoni and his friends go out for drinks and dinner, they don't worry about a designated driver. Instead, the friends downloaded a ride-sharing app on their smartphones, which allows them to order up a ride home. Uber and Lyft are the two most often used apps and both advertise safe, vetted drivers to get customers home safely.
But, the 32-year-old Olyphant man points out the rides aren't cheap, a concern in a sluggish economy. So, often it's less expensive to invite friends over for drinks and dinners. Even then, revelers often choose a ride-sharing service to get home rather than risk a DUI.
"Ride sharing apps make it easier and safer to drink alcohol," Arnoni said. "But among his friends, this isn't generally the case."
Arnoni, a musician, also plays in local bars and dinner clubs. When inviting someone out to hear him, he encourages them to use Uber to get home so they can stay longer and relax for an evening out without worrying about getting cited for driving under the influence or DUI.
Part of this is because of DUI checkpoints and other enforcement tools that increase the likelihood of being stopped and cited.
DUI arrests are trending down in Pennsylvania. Statewide police statistics show that there were 42,409 DUI arrests in 2022, a decrease from 44,531 in 2021.
"Uber's dedication to safety aligns seamlessly with MADD's mission," said MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "By combining our resources and expertise... we will continue to drive change."
Other elements likely play into the reduction in DUIs across the country. During the COVID pandemic, home delivery of alcohol spiked as consumers became more comfortable ordering alcohol online rather than drinking at bars.
A study conducted by Door Dash indicated that about 70% of consumers reported ordering alcohol online at least monthly in 2023.
Nicholas Colangelo highlighted sales as an indicator of alcohol use: "Overall alcohol sales for Pennsylvania have been increasing over the past few years." The Liquor Control Board reported $3.15 billion in total sales in 2023 compared with $2.83 billion in total sales during 2021-2022.
"No one has accurate information as to who is drinking how much," Colangelo said. "Sales numbers are accurate."
"What happened... during COVID?" he questioned regarding drug dealers' activities during lockdowns.
"They could get up... using drugs during workday," he added concerning remote workers potentially abusing substances while working from home.
Younger Generations Drinking Less
- The Gen Z generation tends towards abstaining due largely due focus on nutrition/health concerns/preferences non-alcoholic beverages .
- A Nielson study shows Gen Z consumption patterns shifting away traditional alcoholic choices; only approximately forty-five percent consumed any form within last year alone! .