Are Rideshare Services Safe to Use?

Is it safe to hop into a rideshare? How often are rideshares including Uber and Lyft involved in motor vehicle accidents? Unlike taxis which are strictly regulated and monitored, practically anyone can sign up to drive a rideshare. Sometimes referred to as "press a button" transportation, rideshares can carry significant risks. Nationwide, it is estimated that rideshares are involved in 2 to 3% of all motor vehicle accidents. This means that these "safe" alternatives are not as safe as they may seem.

The Rapid Growth of Rideshares

In 2016, nearly 38% of Americans reported using rideshare apps in the United states. By 2017, that number rose to 53%. Uber alone is available in more than 600 cities in 65 countries and boasts more than 3 million drivers, 750,000 of whom are in the United States. As of 2018, these 750,000 drivers provided service to a total of 41.8 million riders.

The Costs of a Cheap Ride

Data studied at the University of Chicago and Rice University shows an increase in the number of fatal accidents by up to 4% in cities that allow Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services to operate. Reasons for the rising rates of accidents include the increased vehicle miles traveled, driver inexperience, and driver fatigue. New programs such as Lyft's Express Drive which make it possible for Lyft drivers to use rental cars may make these rates climb even higher in the future.

The Risks of Unregulated Industry

Unlike taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers do not undergo any formal training. The industry is loosely regulated and drivers who meet minimal eligibility standards regarding vehicle age, driver age, and a clean criminal background check can operate a rideshare. Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to pass any exams related to navigation, vehicle safety, or conflict resolution. These lax standards are seriously lacking, and passengers who use rideshare services can be seriously injured or killed by inexperienced, aggressive, or incompetent drivers who take them for a ride.

Here at Brad Pistotnik law, we're on the cutting edge in the quickly-developing field of litigation for rideshare accidents and compensation. This frequently-shifting landscape causes a lot of confusion, which is why you need an experienced professional on your side to ensure that you're getting the maximum coverage. Regulations and insurance coverage standards can vary from state to state, and our lawyers specialize in traffic accident cases occuring in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and surrounding states. Learn more about our Uber and Lyft accident attorney services and give us a call today for a free consultation. Call us at 1-800-241-BRAD or call us on or local line at 316-684-4400. You can call Brad Pistotnik on his cell at 316-706-5020. You can call Tony Atterbury on his cell at 316-617-9237. You can call from Western Kansas at 620-THE-BULL.