The future is nigh! Self-driving cars are hitting the market, and of course this is bringing new opportunities to their drivers. This well documented, and analyzed article from Bob Krummert gives well-informed data and statistical information on drinking and driving in this new day and age of self driving cars.

Key Takeaways:

• Morgan Stanley says autonomous vehicles will become mainstream faster than most people imagine, and both beverage companies and restaurants will benefit when they do.
• The introduction of ride sharing services like Uber have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of DUI arrests in select communities. For example, San Diego saw a 14 percent reduction in DUI arrests the following year when Uber operations began in 2011.
• It’s a win all around if this prediction comes true. Companies that produce alcoholic beverages will see their sales volume increase. Restaurant and bars will sell more high-margin alcoholic beverages.

“Drunk-driving crashes fell by 60 per month among drivers under 30 in California markets where Uber operates following the launch of uberX.”

http://restaurant-hospitality.com/consumer-trends/forecast-driverless-cars-could-help-sell-more-drinks

Touch-based systems may be the savior many restaurant owners have been looking for. Results from a research on impulse buying and the effect touchscreens have on this habit conclude that consumers are more likely to purchase additional food that they might not have originally considered had it not been for the touch-based system found more commonly throughout restaurants in the country. The biological reason for this phenomenon remains unknown.

Key Takeaways:

• Restaurant customers might order more when ordering via touchscreen apps, new research suggests.
• When there’s a choice between a food item that provides immediate gratification and one that promises delayed gratification, immediate gratification prevails.
• Quick-service chains like Sonic and full-service casual operators like Chili’s report higher check averages since installing customer-facing touchscreen devices.

“Don’t be put off by the term “hedonic food.” The concept refers to food eaten for pleasure rather than to satisfy a biological need.”

http://restaurant-hospitality.com/technology/tablet-systems-may-spur-impulse-ordering