STEARCLEAR Looks to Reduce Drunk Driving with an App

Drunk driving is a big problem in the United States. Not only does it lead to thousands of deaths, but hundreds of thousands arrests as well. Preventing people from drinking isn’t a feasible option, but something that can be done is promoting the idea of a designated driver, someone who is sober to drive home a person or party of people who may be intoxicated. This is a concept that startup STEARCLEAR looks to use to help reduce the number of impaired drivers that are on the road every year.

STEARCLEAR is an app that allows anyone to make arrangements with a team of drivers to pick them up and bring them home. The team of drivers also doesn’t consist of random folks with smartphones and a car. They are picked, trained, and experienced to ensure that they can handle the task and ensure a safe ride home. You can even get a group picked up and have them dropped off along the way.

Of course none of these drivers are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Some monetary transaction takes place. People interested in using the service need to register a credit card when they sign up. Prior to enjoying the night, you can set up times, distance, fare, and payment all through the app, and then you can complete the payment with a tap after your driver has dropped you off.

The idea was based off a similar designated driver service offered in South Africa that was a bit rough around the edges. STEARCLEAR was born shortly after and has since raised more than half of a million dollars in funding. The service is still pretty small, as it is mainly based in New Jersey, but it is looking to expand to other cities through franchising and hopefully become a local name. And should it grow in popularity it would be for the better as it would lower the risk of drunk drivers on the road.