Austinite Arrested for DUI While Driving for Lyft

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have been making headlines across the nation as friendly, convenient, and cost effective services that provide rides to customers at all hours of the day.

However, not all experiences with these services have been positive. In recent months, the city of Austin has been reviewing these companies and has considered placing further restrictions on their drivers, such as mandated fingerprint background checks, as horror stories and incidents make headline news across the country.

One such incident took place just last month when an Austinite actively driving for Lyft – with an unsuspecting passenger in the car – was stopped by police for suspicion of driving under the influence. The police determined that the driver was indeed impaired and placed him under arrest. The passenger was shocked and noted that the driver appeared to be swerving in and out of lanes during the ride, but passed it off initially believing that the driver was “just not paying attention.” However, once when the driver braked at a red light and then cut across several lines without looking, the customer became more concerned. This is when the vehicle was stopped by police for its erratic movements.

Perhaps even more concerning is that this was not the first time this particular driver was stopped for a DUI offense. In this particular case, the vehicle operator had a previous conviction from 2004 for DUI and possession of a controlled substance. Stories such as these have gone viral, leading many to demand fingerprint background checks for those who wish to become Uber or Lyft drivers in order to keep passengers and other drivers safe.

If you should find yourself in an Uber or Lyft ride where the driver appears to be impaired, request that the driver stop immediately or call 911 for help. Safety on the road, whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, is our top concern at TK Injury Lawyers. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s extremely important to contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney immediately in order to preserve your legal rights. Call us today at 512-910-2000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.