Ridesharing and Road Safety: The Automotive Risks of Uber

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular. They’re now even more popular than taxis in cities like New York City. However, there are safety concerns linked with these services’ business models.

Car Accidents Are a Risk Any Time You Are a Passenger

Any time you are a passenger in a vehicle, there is a risk of getting in a car accident.

Car accidents can lead to serious injury or even death.

Uber and Lyft both provide their drivers with significant amounts of liability insurance. However, if you’re a passenger who is injured in an accident in an Uber or Lyft ride, it is likely that the insurance company will fight your claim tooth and nail in order to minimize the amount they have to pay you. For this reason, it may be a good idea to consult with an Uber accident lawyer if you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.

There Have Been Thousands of Assault and Death Victims

According to an Uber safety report, the company noted 2,826 sexual assault incidents in 2019.

While the horrible crime of sexual assault can happen anywhere, such as in traditional taxis, it has been argued by some that faulty background checks and inadequate regulations on ridesharing apps make the apps more dangerous than taxis.

Staying Safe

Passengers should, when possible, choose monitored, well-lit pickup and dropoff locations, verify that pictures and names match individuals in vehicles, and check vehicles’ details before entering vehicles.

Avoid sharing personally identifiable info, like address, full name, social security number, email or phone number.

Avoid choosing the shared or carpool feature. While this lets you save money, this heightens risks because passengers may not be familiar. Riders aren’t subjected to background checks.

Always tell at least a single trusted person about the ride you’ll take, including the estimated arrival time.

Pay attention to your surroundings. It’s crucial to stay alert to safely reach your destination.