Uber Accident Statistics and Risk
Uber accidents: how common are they, really? Are you putting yourself at higher risk by getting into an Uber than you would be if you were, for example, to get behind the wheel on your own? While most people acknowledge that it’s safer to take an Uber than it is to drive drunk, it doesn’t take long for the nerves to hit, especially since Uber accidents tend to be highly publicized. Are there really that many Uber accidents? Is it that risky to take an Uber? By checking out the statistics, you can relieve your nerves and better understand what risks you’re taking when you choose to call an Uber for your transportation needs.
Uber and Accident Rates: DUI, Traffic Fatalities, and More
Most people know that drinking and driving is a crime. Unfortunately, you have to get home somehow—and many people are willing to take chances that they would have been unwilling to take while sober. The ready availability of ride-sharing services like Uber, however, makes it easier to get a safe ride home no matter where you are in the city. The question, of course, remains: does this really offer everyone safer streets?
Uber DUI’s
According to researchers at Stonehill and Providence Colleges, ride-sharing services in specific areas have led to a reduction in both DUIs and accidents in those areas by between 15 and 62 percent per year, depending on the area in question. Other factors may continue to influence the number of DUIs in an area in general, including the ready availability of alcohol, how strictly the streets are monitored, and more. In locations like Las Vegas, with high amounts of tourist traffic and large amounts of traffic congestion in general, for example, ridesharing services simply add another option that makes it possible for riders to enjoy smoother trips. The wide availability of public transportation may also make it easier for riders to choose a transportation option, which will also help decrease DUIs.
Uber Traffic Fatalities
Using Uber has led to a 16 percent reduction in traffic fatalities per year, according to the study by Stonehill and Providence Colleges. This can mean saving as many as 500 lives per year on DUI deaths alone across America by implementing Uber in every city. Of course, this will continue to depend on the city, and how much of an impact Uber has across these areas. Even correcting for a number of independent variables, research continues to show that Uber has the ability to significantly impact traffic fatalities throughout a given area.
The impact of Uber on DUIs and traffic fatalities also, it seems, depends on how complicated it is to use the service. The more complicated the service is, the less likely people are to use it in general—and inebriated people, who may pose the highest risk on the streets, are the ones least likely to successfully navigate the system. As a result, Uber’s app must remain smooth and easy to use, rather than offering high levels of expense or complexity, to realize these benefits.
Ongoing Uber Accident Rates
Uber’s accidents tend to be made highly public simply because of the nature of the service. It’s still relatively new; there are plenty of people who are nervous about it; and, frankly, it makes for good stories. Consider, for example, the complaint of the self-driving car that struck and killed a pedestrian while being operated by an Uber driver. While this single complaint has been used as an example that self-driving cars—and Uber in general—might not be as safe as they’d hoped, it’s also true that this single self-driving car accident fails to take into consideration the number of people who are killed daily by cars that are under the full control of their drivers. In 2016, there were an average of 16 pedestrian fatalities every day across the United States.
Ubers Versus Taxis
In the second half of 2015, Uber exceeded the number of deadly traffic accidents experienced by yellow cabs: Uber drivers were involved in 5 fatal collisions, while cabs were involved in only one. However, in only one of these accidents was the Uber driver ruled at fault. That driver was suspended from Uber’s service.
The Number of Uber Rides
Every day, there are more than 15 million Uber passengers. While statistical data is not available for the number of Uber accidents that occur every day, only 10 fatal accidents were reported in 2016. As a result, it’s safe to assume that Uber continues to make the roads a safer place.
Other Accident Causing Hazards to an Uber Ride
To date, 103 Uber drivers were accused of sexual assault or abuse. This remains a serious area of concern for many passengers, especially women. With about three-million Uber drivers, however, the statistics remain comparatively low. No service is without risk, and Uber takes steps to help protect the safety of its customers, including extensive background checks to ensure that drivers are not guilty of violent crimes, drug-related crimes, or other crimes that could prevent them from safely transporting passengers. Uber drivers who have been accused of this type of behavior with their passengers are also suspended from duty. While these hazards remain a serious risk, it’s important to consider their statistical significance: a lack of prevalence makes Uber a reasonably safe service, especially if the right precautions are taken before and during the ride.
Across the United States, Uber drivers are expected to maintain clean driving records. Before signing up with Uber, drivers must have three or fewer traffic citations or at-fault accidents over the last three years. Once they sign up, they’re held to strict driving standards in order to continue their contract with Uber
Seek an Experienced Florida Uber Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, this isn’t always enough to prevent accidents. If you’re in an Uber accident, take the right steps to protect yourself and receive the compensation you’re due. Contact us today at (727) 451-6900 to schedule your free consultation, and learn more about what the experienced Uber accident attorneys at Dolman Law can do for you.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-451-6900
