Brian White | November 27, 2023 | Uber & Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft continue to dominate the U.S. ridesharing market, with Uber’s sales having increased approximately three percent year-over-year. Given all the conveniences that ridesharing offers, especially in urban environments, it is easy to understand the popularity of this form of travel.
There have been numerous advances in technology and safety since Uber first debuted nearly 15 years ago. Nonetheless, even today, using an Uber or Lyft is not a hassle-free, risk-free activity. In a recent report released by Uber, it was revealed that approximately 100 individuals lost their lives in crashes involving Uber vehicles between 2019 and 2020.
When you choose to use Uber or Lyft, you are placing your safety and well-being in the hands of your rideshare driver. Nonetheless, there are actions you can take to protect yourself and others when using a rideshare service. Four of these steps include:
Make Sure the Vehicle You Get Into Is Your Rideshare Vehicle
Both the Uber and Lyft apps provide you with information about your rideshare vehicle and the driver so that you can identify them when they arrive. Before entering any vehicle, check the information in your app against the vehicle and the driver who appears.
If there are discrepancies between who the app says is picking you up and who is present before you, do not get into the vehicle.
Buckle Up for Every Trip
Both Uber and Lyft require drivers’ vehicles to have functioning seat belts. Always buckle up and use a seat belt, no matter how far your trip or how long you anticipate being in the vehicle.
Just because your Uber or Lyft driver might obey all of the traffic laws and drive carefully does not mean that other drivers will. Uber’s recent safety report revealed that other drivers caused most fatal car accidents involving Uber vehicles.
Do Not Distract Your Driver
Talking loudly or engaging your driver in conversation can be distracting, especially if you are seated in the back seat and your driver must look in the rearview mirror to speak with you. These and other behaviors take your driver’s attention and focus away from driving, which can be dangerous on crowded city streets or at night.
Refrain from engaging in unnecessary conversation with your driver. Keep your volume down if you are traveling with others or talking on your phone.
Report Safety Concerns and Issues Promptly
Just because you booked a trip on Uber or Lyft does not mean you must complete it. If your driver is engaging in reckless driving and you feel unsafe, you can terminate your ride at any time. If possible, try to do so at a well-lit and populated location where you will be safe until an alternate ride arrives.
Both Uber and Lyft have portals available through their apps and websites where riders can report safety concerns or issues. Take advantage of these portals and report unsafe behaviors your driver engages in. This helps the rideshare companies screen out drivers who endanger others and can help prevent another passenger from being injured.
Take Charge of Your Safety on Your Next Rideshare Trip
Just because you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle does not mean you have no responsibility or recourse for your safety. Simple preventive measures can help your driver remain focused on the road and get you to your destination safely. If you encounter issues that make you feel unsafe, report them to Uber or Lyft to help prevent future occurrences.
Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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