Uber CEO Travis Kalanick publicly criticized and flaged what he saw as ironic news. A California state senator was arrested for DUI, hours after voting for legislation that would further regulate ride-sharing services like Uber. If you live in the Seattle area, and especially in the east side communities of Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond that you are undoubtedly familiar with Uber cars.

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/08/25/uber-ceo-pounces-on-dui-arrest-of-california-lawmaker/

Uber seems to be making a dent in drunk driving.  In Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond Uber cars are generally readily available and can get residents on the east side home for a low price that is generally between $10-$20. Bellevue DUI attorney John T. says "The political situation behind Uber cars is messy, but it remains a good and safe option to get home and avoid a DUI in Bellevue or a DUI in Kirkland. These Cities and the King County District Court has very little flexibility or tolerance for DUI charges."

The true cost of a DUI in Bellevue or a DUI in Kirkland can be thousands of dollars.  Even if Uber cars are politically criticized by legislators it seems that many should recognize the ability of this service to take intoxicated patrons home and avoid DUI's and also accidents that can potentially injure or kill people.

City of Seattle DUI arrests have decreased by 10% since Uber started service in the Seattle area. This message is becoming part of the Uber ad campaign. This decline in DUI arrest rates has been seen in San Francisco and Philadelphia. The rideshare industry is likley to have a political battle on their hands in the Seattle area with Taxi drivers.  But one thing seems clear, Uber seems to provide a service that can help you avoid a DUI in Bellevue, Kirkland or Redmond.