104°F might raise some eyebrows in Metro Detroit, but that’s a record-high temperature in London.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ridesharing services are believed to decrease drunk driving crashes and deaths but they also are associated with an increase in binge drinking, according to a new study. Then they compared that data with information about alcohol consumption and population density from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems Annual Survey. Binge drinking is defined as having at least four drinks if you’re female and at least five drinks if you’re male. Researchers found that binge drinking increased by 4 percent in high-density markets after Uber became available. “Clearly there are health benefits in the reduction of drunk driving, but we are also getting an increase in binge drinking,” McCullough said.

Uber released a safety report detailing the number of sexual abuse complaints made to the company both in 2017 and 2018. The 84-page report shows the rideshare company received 5,981 reports of sexual abuse, with 235 reports of rape in 2018 and 229 in 2017. “So this is not just a one-sided problem, we have to keep in mind that both drivers and riders are victims,” West said. Uber does not contact law enforcement when notified of a sexual assault unless directed by the victim, according to company policy. In addition to sexual assault reports, the company revealed 107 deaths caused by crashes in the last two years.

Reports in rape have increased in the last year. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.