Using a rideshare service can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid driving due to impairment or because of other reasons, but you should know that there is still a risk of getting into a crash when someone else is driving you.
While many of the drivers who work for ridesharing companies are skilled and able to get you to your destination safely, there is a risk that you could end up in a crash if the driver gets distracted or is not paying attention to the road.
Human error can play a role in rideshare crashes
It’s possible for human error to lead to crashes no matter who’s driving. Your rideshare driver might get distracted by the rideshare app, a crash outside the vehicle or even what’s going on inside your vehicle. While not all crashes will be the fault of your driver, it is possible that they could speed, drive recklessly or even be impaired behind the wheel themselves.
According to Uber, there were 3.1 million or more trips taken daily using its rideshare service alone between 2017 and 2018. Statistically speaking, the risk of crashes is low, but they do still occur. Uber states that only .0003% of all trips had a critical safety incident.
That being said, the company still has some steps in place to prevent dangerous driving. If a driver is unsafe and is reported, it is possible that they could have their account deactivated. The penalties are there to discourage drivers from driving while drunk or speeding behind the wheel, for example. Uber also plans to use deactivation sharing with other ridesharing companies, so they can decide if they really want to hire someone as a driver.
When you’re riding with a rideshare driver, make your preferences known
It’s helpful if you talk to the driver if you have concerns. Explain that you’d like them to slow down or ask to get out of the vehicle if you think they may be impaired or driving recklessly. You can report them to the company they work for, too, helping prevent others from having them as a driver in the future.
If you get into a crash, you may be able to hold them accountable and seek fair compensation.