Uber installs alcobooths with breathalyzers to discourage drunk driving

Uber has now joined hands with the Mumbai traffic police in the campaign against drunk driving, by installing breathalyzer kiosks outside bars and pubs in Mumbai.

Launching the alcobooths, joint commissioner of police (traffic) Milind Bharambe said these devices will help a person check the level of alcohol in the body after breathing in the machine through a straw (YouTube/Uber)

Uber has now joined hands with the Mumbai traffic police in the campaign against drunk driving, by installing breathalyzer kiosks outside bars and pubs in Mumbai.

Uber has decided to install the breathalysers which the Mumbai police, in January, launched as alcobooths. The app-based cab ordering service has installed the first kiosk at Nook, a nightclub in Phoenix Marketcity at Kurla, two months after the concept was launched by the traffic police.

Launching the alcobooths, joint commissioner of police (traffic) Milind Bharambe said these devices will help a person check the level of alcohol in the body after breathing in the machine through a straw. "The machine comes equipped with the contact numbers of cab services and valet numbers, which can be used if you are drunk beyond permissible limits," said Bharambe. These machines have already been installed by Uber in countries like Canada to discourage driving under the influence.

Shailesh Sawlani, GM, Uber Mumbai said, "We're excited to launch the first breathalyzer in partnership with the Mumbai traffic police. Through this campaign, we aim to build awareness against drunk-driving and give people a convenient and reliable ride back home. We hope to work with the Mumbai Traffic Police to install these devices across all bars and pubs in the city."

If the user's alcohol content has crossed the legal limit, a message will be displayed on the breathalyser screen to request an Uber home. Uber also announced that if it is the user's first Uber ride, it would be free of cost.