For millions of Americans, ordering a car from a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft has become second nature. Once you enter the relevant information into your preferred app, it’s just a matter of knowing the make and color of the car that’s going to show up. As far as the driver, the only real feedback on them is the star rating that you see. There’s certainly no way to learn if the person who will be transporting you has any history of vehicle accidents.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) sought to assess whether contractors from rideshare services had ever been in an accident while on the job. Their results show that about one-third of the surveyed drivers reported that they had. The study, published in the Journal of Safety Research, not only quantifies the frequency of crashes among rideshare drivers, but also details some of the factors that contribute to collisions involving Uber and Lyft vehicles, such as:
- Cellphone use — Rideshare drivers often rely on smartphones for navigation, communication with passengers and app-based work management. However, even a brief glance at device can be enough of a distraction to increase the risk of an accident.
- Driver fatigue — Earning substantial money through gig work often requires long hours. Late-night trips with passengers who have been drinking and early morning airport drop-offs can be lucrative. This means that your driver might be tired, making them more prone to an error behind the wheel.
- Unfamiliar roads — Driving in unfamiliar areas, a common occurrence for rideshare drivers, can lead to missed turns or sudden lane changes. An unexpected maneuver might confuse another motorist, leading to a collision.
While ridesharing offers convenience and flexibility for both contractors and passengers, the risks associated with the service should not be ignored. Other types of drivers who are responsible for transporting members of the public must complete special training and are subjected to corrective measures and restrictions if they have a poor safety record. Perhaps stricter rules and closer supervision would the reduce the number of rideshare accidents.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood seeks justice on behalf of North Jersey residents injured in rideshare accidents and other types of vehicle collisions. Please call [ln::phone] or contact us online to discuss your potential claim with an accomplished personal injury attorney in a free consultation.