Rideshare Accidents in Maryland: Causes and Solutions
There’s no doubt that rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have completely changed the landscape of car travel, both here in Maryland and across the country (and the world). One thing that is a little harder to quantify, however, is the effect that these services may have on traffic accidents. Since rideshares are still a relatively new form of transportation, studies examining the role of rideshares in car crashes are relatively few and far between. However, a 2019 paper written by analysts at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business concluded that, contrary to what you might think, rideshare usage has actually contributed to an annual increase of up to 3% in traffic accidents.
How could this be right? Presumably, a lot of people use rideshare services to get where they need to go without having to drive because they are under the influence of alcohol or other substances – which is always a wise decision, and one that helps to lower impaired driving rates. What other factors are contributing to this increase in accidents, then? Let’s take a look at some possible explanations.
There are more vehicles on the road. Before rideshare services became widespread, people had the option of hailing or ordering a taxi. But taxis weren’t nearly as easily available as Lyft and Uber now are, so some of these people likely walked or took public transportation instead. Rideshare services have led to an increase in car traffic which, not surprisingly, has led to an increase in accidents (due to sheer volume).
Background checks aren’t foolproof. Both Uber and Lyft require background checks for potential drivers. These checks usually involve a review of a candidate’s driving record and any criminal history, as well as an inspection of the vehicle they plan to use. But these checks aren’t 100% foolproof, and people with problematic records might slip through.
Ridesharing driving is a tiring job. The more drivers work, the more money they make – which could lead to rideshare employees working longer hours and dealing with fatigue as a result. Add to that the fact that they might be navigating unfamiliar roads and/or heavy traffic in urban areas, and you can see how the potential for an accident might potentially increase.
Weather conditions aren’t always great. Passengers might choose to book an Uber or Lyft ride when the weather is bad to avoid having to drive themselves. Of course, that means rideshare drivers have to be out on the road in less-than-ideal conditions, which can lead to an accident.
Having said all of this, rideshare companies are working to make the experience safer for everyone involved. Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for drivers and passengers in case of an accident; they also provide driver safety education programs to their employees, as well as in-app security features, like an emergency assistance button and 24-hour customer support.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft or another rideshare company, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Parr in Baltimore, MD today to schedule your free consultation. We don’t receive a fee unless we win.