Rideshare Services Comes With Safety Risks
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation. They offer convenience at the tap of a button. My family calls an Uber for airport runs, or if we are going out and know we should not be driving home afterwards. We always feel safe in an Uber. However, I came across this research from the University of Illinois Chicago which sheds light on the safety risks associated with these services. I was shocked to read that one in three rideshare drivers have experienced crashes while on the job.
Rideshare Distracted Driving Epidemic:
ScienceDirect.com did a study and found distracted driving among rideshare drivers. Various factors such as managing bookings, communicating with passengers, and navigating unfamiliar routes are some of the reasons for these distractions.
Of course with all distractions, they increase the likelihood of accidents causing a serious threat to both drivers and passengers.
Fatigue and Side Gig:
Many rideshare drivers operate on a part-time basis while they are usually juggling a full-time job. This leads to tired drivers which impairs their ability to stay alert and react swiftly to potential hazards on the road. We don’t need a study to tell us that this combination of fatigue and extended hours behind the wheel increases the risk of accidents.
The study used survey data from 277 drivers to see how safe they were. Between distracted driving, the fact that many are tired from driving as a side gig, and the possibility they might be driving unfamiliar roads, it’s more dangerous than you might think.
Drivers say their passengers are also adding to their negatives: “You’ve got a stranger entering your vehicle. They may be unruly. They may be drunk,” study coauthor Lee Friedman with the university’s School of Public Health said in a statement.
Since StudyFinds brings to light that one-third of rideshare drivers crash, as consumers, I think we need to recognize the hidden risks associated with ridesharing services and advocate for enhanced safety measures. And of course, be sure to buckle up the next time you get into an Uber or a Lyft, even if you’re in the back seat.
