Which Rideshare is Safest?

Rideshare Safety  

Ridesharing can be a quick and easy way to get from one place to another. As with any form of transportation, however, ridesharing is not without risks.  

Is Uber or Lyft Safer for Riders?

Accidents involving rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft, can happen to anyone. Many of the same factors that contribute to other car accidents, including speeding, distracted driving, etc., can play a role in a rideshare crash. As with any form of transportation on New York roads, those who use rideshare services may find themselves injured in a motor vehicle collision.   

Some statistics to consider:  

• Uber: The Uber U.S. Safety Report states that 99.9% of Uber trips end without a safety incident. In 2019-20 alone, 101 motor-vehicle fatalities occurred across 91 fatal Uber-related crashes.  
•  Lyft: More than 99% of Lyft trips ended without a safety incident reported between 2017-19, according to the Lyft Community Safety Report. Lyft reported 49 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019.  

According to a study by Rice University and the University of Chicago, the introduction of rideshare services in major cities has led to a 3% annual increase in fatal accidents. The study found that traffic fatalities rose from 32,885 in 2010 to 37,400 in 2016. The study posits that ride-hailing has put more cars on the road, and that further research should be conducted on this issue.  

Rideshare Driver Safety Issues 

When you get into a motor vehicle, you rely on others on the road to follow traffic laws. When you take a rideshare, you must also depend on the driver’s judgment and driving skills. Issues that can increase the risk of a motor-vehicle collision include driver inattention, distraction, and speeding.  While the majority of rideshare trips end without a reported safety issue, the potential for injury is always present.  

Rideshare Statistics 

The American Trends Panel, created by Pew Research Center, found that ridesharing services have increased dramatically. 

They discovered the following:  

• Thirty-six percent of people used a rideshare service as of 2019, compared to roughly half that proportion (15%) in 2015. 
• Rideshare adoption rates vary by age. Fifty-one percent of people between ages 18 and 29 have used a rideshare service. Twenty-four percent of people 50 and older have used a rideshare service.  
• People who make $75,000 a year are roughly twice as likely as those earning less than $30,000 per year to have used ridesharing services.  
• Fifty-five percent of people with a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree have used ride-hailing services, compared with 20% of those with lesser educational attainment.  

 For more ride-sharing statistics, visit Pew Research Center.  

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Call William Mattar   

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact William Mattar, P.C. to speak to a member of our legal team. Rideshare accident cases can be complex. Our rideshare-accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve maximum compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation by filling out our contact form or giving us a call, at (844) 444-4444. We’re standing by 24/7 to help.