Ridesharing has become a popular method of getting around. Whether it is to get home from a bar or keep from asking your friend for a ride to the airport, companies like Uber and Lyft offer a valuable service. While this service is convenient, is it safe?
Recently, a moped-sharing service in New York City shut down after experience two deaths in ten days. An inexperienced moped driver may be the cause of these deaths, but what about rideshare accidents involving experienced drivers?
Are rideshares dangerous?
Researchers have conducted studies on how ridesharing has impacted the fatality rate of car accidents. In their findings, accidents resulting in a fatality have increased as much as 4%, or nearly 1,000 additional deaths each year. This evidence may suggest that ridesharing does cause more fatal accidents, but experts are not convinced.
There is a phenomenon known as the “quantity effect,” which some researchers may believe influences the findings of their research. In short, the quantity effect states that because ridesharing increases the number of drivers on the road, the consequences of driving also increase. The study says that the fatality increase is a result of more drivers, not just rideshare drivers.
What can passengers do?
There is not a certainty that ridesharing causes deaths, but the increased number of drivers does result in increased accidents. If a passenger feels that their driver is reckless or negligent, they should cancel the ride immediately. If a person with the victim of an accident caused by a rideshare driver, they should immediately call a lawyer.