(CNN NEWSOURCE) A new study finds Uber is not decreasing drunk driving deaths.
Researchers looked at drunk driving statistics in the 100 most populated metro areas in the U.S. for 2009 through 2014.
They found the rise of Uber did not correspond to any decrease in drunk driving deaths overall or during peak drinking times like weekend nights.
Uber insists its service can help decrease drunk driving.
It regularly references another study that shows a decrease in drunk driving deaths in California.
An author of the new study says his study used a different set of controls that is "arguably more complete."
The researchers aren't ruling out the idea that ride-hailing companies could have an impact in the future.
Uber issued the following email response to the study to the Washington Post.
"We’re glad Uber can provide an alternative to drunk driving and help people make more responsible choices. Our ridership numbers show that trips peak at times when people are more likely to be out drinking and 80 percent of riders says that Uber has helped them personally avoid drinking and driving."
