Municipality Insurance: States Fund Apps Against Drunk Driving 

Many states and municipalities across the nation have beefed up their anti-drunk driving campaigns this year, some are even turning to mobile apps designed to help motorists find safe rides home. Maryland recently became the latest in a growing number of locales which are publicly and federally funding a mobile phone app designed to help keep motorists who have been drinking off the road. Such apps have been popping up in Washington D.C., New York City, as well as a number of states including New Mexico, Colorado, and California. Many of these apps are federally funded project backed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA). The ENDUI app was created for roughly $50,000 by the Maryland Highway Safety Administration, but officials hope the app will help save hundreds of lives and millions in potential losses and damages.

Maryland’s app however, making somewhat of a stir due to its somewhat unique approach. Not only does the app offer traditional hail a cab features, using GPPS technology, it also boasts a few additional perks for app users.  Known as ENDUI, or “End DUI”, the app empowers individuals to assess their own level of intoxication and impairment before ever hitting the road. The ENDUI app, which is free to download and use on Apple and Android devices, allows users to enter their sex, height, weight, as well as the type and number of drinks they have consumed to help figure out their blood-alcohol level. The app also offers two interactive games to test the individual’s reaction speed and cognitive abilities.

One of the games involves pressing a red “brake” button when an image of a pedestrian appears on screen or a simulated car stops ahead of the player. The app lets the player know just how quickly they are reacting and how much time a real vehicle would have needed to avoid a collision in the various situations. The app also allows users to pre-load phone numbers of potential designated drives in addition to finding local cab services.

These apps are gaining in popularity among local and federal law enforcement who hope that if drivers have easily accessible alternative options, they will avoid driving while intoxicated. The success of the apps will soon be put to the test as the holidays continue on, especially as we inch closer to the New Year, but public officials are confident in their investments in these apps as a tool to connect with motorists.

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