Ridesharing has drastically increased in popularity over the last few years, with an estimated third of Americans utilizing services like Lyft and Uber at least once a month; however, with the increase of rideshare drivers comes an increase in accidents. Read on to learn more about common rideshare driver accident causes, safety statistics for ride-sharing, and what to do if you’ve been in an accident with a rideshare driver.
Accident Causes
Rideshare drivers have a variety of reasons for causing an accident, but some of the most common include:
Drunk Driving – Rideshare drivers are not immune to drunk driving, and with late-night driving, it’s not uncommon for intoxicated rideshare drivers to be on the road.
Distractions – Besides common distractions like the radio and apps, rideshare drivers also have the added concern of passenger rowdiness or just wanting to make conversation.
Drowsy Driving – Many rideshare drivers complete their work as a side hustle in addition to their regular jobs—especially those who drive at night. This can lead to fatigue and stress, causing drowsy, reckless driving.
Speeding – Rideshare drivers are expected to complete their stops on time, and many will speed to get to their destination on time to ensure a tip and good rating. Many will also speed when “deadheading,” or driving without a passenger after taking another passenger to a faraway location. They speed due to wanting to pick up more riders.
Safety Statistics
As of 2019, 36% of American adults have used a rideshare service. This leads to an inevitable increase in accidents with rideshare drivers. Unfortunately, statistical information is unavailable for rideshare accidents in Denver; however, it likely matches the 3% national increase in accidents that researchers believe is due to the rising popularity of rideshare services.
While Uber released a 2019 report stating that only 107 fatalities occurred over the course of 2017-2018, this study does not include the number of drivers who were driving without a passenger. When looking at those numbers, it’s more likely that rideshare drivers caused or were involved in an estimated 987 deaths each year. Of the accidents Uber claims, 21% were riders, 21% were drivers and 58% were third-party participants.
While the majority of Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services do not lead to serious injury, those that do can lead to unspeakable pain. If you’ve been in an accident with a rideshare driver, a specialized rideshare accident attorney can help you get fairly compensated. Safe travels!
