What are the Leading Causes of Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare apps in LA have become the de facto means of getting around town – but they’re not perfect. Uber and Lyft are worth billions of dollars and have managed to increase their number of users and contribute to a sizable traffic volume day in and day out.

The increased presence of cars indicates a relatively high risk of injury for both passengers and riders. For the most part, accidents usually happen due to negligent and distracted driving, but you cannot minimize the impact of another drunk driver ruining everyone’s day.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for riders (and sometimes drivers) to lose their life because of critical injuries. For example, you may have heard of drunk drivers getting arrested for DUIs and being charged with manslaughter. But what you probably don’t even hear of is the sad news that the victim is a 20-something old college student who succumbed to their injuries later in hospital.

Uber and Lyft can be a force for good, as long as the drivers are responsible. For example, researchers found that drunk driving deaths in the United States decreased by as much as 6% (a meaningful number) because of ridesharing. However, ridesharing apps are not without their faults. According to a recent study published by Rice University and the University of Chicago, ridesharing services have contributed to a 2 to 3 percent increase in traffic incidents in the country. This is nearly 1,100 deaths per annum.

Here are some of the main reasons for rideshare accidents.

Distracted Driving

It goes without saying that distracting driving is the number one reason for car accidents throughout the country. Uber and Lyft drivers have to stay glued to their phones throughout the day, even when they’re driving (to get more rides or follow Google Maps). The drivers carefully pivot their attention from the road to the phone – and keep doing this until either they get a new passenger, arrive at their location, or end up in an accident.

Speeding

Many drivers are motivated by ridesharing apps to increase the number of trips they can make in a day. This directly impacts their bottom line, and as such, serves as good motivation to speed. Some drivers aren’t afraid of cutting corners to meet their daily quota if they’re speeding. Driving at a fast pace can reduce a driver’s reaction time.

Successful drivers need complete situational awareness of their car and the road ahead. This isn’t possible when you’re traveling 20 miles over the limit.

Drunk Driving

People who drink and get behind the vehicle are a danger to everyone on the road. Drinking affects a significant portion of the brain and can induce all kinds of cognitive impairment, including problems with attention, processing speed, impulsiveness, and spatial awareness.

Not Knowing How to Handle Inclement Weather

Rain is bad news for drivers with low experience, increasing their chances of skidding on the road. Here’s how it works: the increased water pressure causes the driver’s car to rise and slide on a small layer of water between the tires. Oftentimes, the car can slip and slide without warning – and the brakes seem to have a minimal impact once the car is out of control.

The best solution is to drive slowly – or not drive at all.

Not Obeying Traffic Signs and Signals

Red means stop. Yellow means the driver has to slow down instead of speeding up. There’s nothing cool about breaking a traffic signal because you cannot anticipate the road ahead. Perhaps another speeding vehicle is approaching your path and may intersect with the car at the current speeds. Drivers should come to a full stop instead of saving the extra ten or fifteen seconds. It’s not worth risking anyone’s life.

Poor Maintenance

A big reason for rideshare accidents is poor car maintenance. The NHTSA has found that nearly 35% of accidents occur because of bad tires. There seems to be a trend among rideshare drivers not to maintain their car safely and professionally. And that

Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Los Angeles. Give us a call today, and our team will provide you with a free case evaluation.