New Research Shows That Uber And Lyft Increase Car Crashes
Rise of Uber and Lyft Coincides With Increasing Car Accidents
A study from the University of Chicago shows that when Uber and Lyft enter a new market, fatal crashes increase. Throughout the U.S., fatal crashes had been decreasing with 2010 being the lowest number since 1949 according to government data. Although this correlation doesn’t necessarily prove causation, we find in our own practice an increasing number of clients that have been hit by a ride sharing vehicle or were passengers in such a vehicle at the time of the accident.
No one doubts that the availability of Uber and Lyft may decrease the number of drunk drivers on the road. Why take the risk of getting busted for drunk driving when these services offer such inexpensive and fast service? But Uber and Lyft drivers are often unfamiliar with the neighborhoods in which they work. They are unfamiliar with the streets and the nuances of driving in a particular area. When you’re looking for a destination while driving you aren’t paying as much attention to the road or may suddenly stop short when you realize you’re about to miss an exit.
These drivers are often new to carrying passengers from one destination to the next so may lack important skills to keep their passengers safe. We had a case of a woman who left the back seat of her Lyft driver’s car and turned back to get her purse. The driver thought she had safely exited the vehicle and so began to drive away, running over our client’s foot and causing significant injury.
I was riding in an Uber and told the driver to turn right onto a one way road. He was about to turn left when I shouted no, go right. He said he thought I said to make a left turn. I explained that regardless of what he thinks I said, he should never go the wrong direction on a road and risk a head on collision. He then said he was a little hard of hearing and that his wife questioned whether he should be a ride share driver….ya think?
Uber and Lyft are wonderful services. But realize some of the dangers they present and you’ll have a safer experience while enjoying the convenience.