The message that police and anti-drunk driving advocates have been telling the public for years has been: if you’ve been drinking alcohol, get a sober ride home. Before a couple of years ago, this meant a designated driver, cab or public transit.

Now, app-based ride services like Uber and Lyft are new options. And they seem to be making an impact on drinking and driving in Pennsylvania, WHTM-TV reports.

A story by the station reports that DUI arrests have dropped 2 percent statewide since the first full year the companies began operating here. Some parts of the state have enjoyed especially dramatic drops. For instance, drunk driving arrests have plummeted 18 percent in Allegheny County, where Uber notes its drivers’ top destinations are bars.

Statewide, Uber drivers get busy from 2 to 4 a.m., after bars close. Clearly, a lot of people have gotten into the habit of opening up their Uber or Lyft app after a night of drinking, a much safer choice than driving under the influence.

WHTM asked a couple of Uber users about their favorite part of the service, and they cited the convenience. Making it quick and easy to get a ride home surely reduces the temptation to drive home drunk.

Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft have not eliminated DUI in Pennsylvania. There is a still a chance that you or a loved one will be hit by a drunk driver and suffer serious injury. If that happens, you will need an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rightful compensation.