The Colorado Department of Transportation partially relies on its R-U-Buzzed app to help prevent drunk driving accidents during the holidays. Every year, the app receives attention from the local press during Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

The app works as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) detector, so would-be drunk drivers know they are too impaired to operate their vehicles. While this could be useful for those who are overindulging during holidays, other apps exist to help prevent accidents.

• Uber has become one of the most popular ride-hailing services in the world, offering would-be drunk drivers another way to get home. The smart phone app works by tagging the GPS locations of users and sending a driver to pick them up.

• SaferRide is an app that was specifically designed to be used by intoxicated people looking for rides home. The app’s easy user interface has three main buttons that can call taxis, a nearby friend or offer directions to nearby public transportation.

• DrinkTracker helps users estimate their BAC in real-time. For example, after several hours, the estimated BAC will continue dropping or rising depending on the alcohol consumption of the user. Users can set a target BAC before getting behind the wheel.

Smart Phone Apps Credited With Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents

Smart phone apps and mobile technology are increasingly being used to help improve public safety. Recent research has suggested smart phone apps are effective tools for avoiding accidents. A recent article in Newsweek discussed how Uber has reduced drunk driving deaths in California. Another study involving Uber claimed drunk driving accidents had decreased by 60 per month since 2012.

As mobile technology continues to proliferate by becoming more affordable, it is possible transportation officials will continue to see a drop in drunk driving accidents.