Rideshare Services Identified as Cause of Increased Traffic Fatalities

 Posted on February 14, 2020 in Car Accidents

A recent study revealed that app-based rideshare services account for a three percent annual increase in traffic-related fatalities. This translates to roughly 987 traffic-related fatalities each year resulting from rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.

Although many supporters of the rideshare industry note the perceived benefits such as a possible decrease in drunk driving and added convenience to riders, the numbers tell a more startling story. Aside from the numerous assaults that occur each year in Ubers and Lyfts, data reveals that these services have also made our roadways less safe.

Rideshare services increase the number of people on the road for several reasons: 1) there are more drivers on the road, and 2) people who would otherwise have taken public transportation, walked, or biked are choosing rideshare services. Data reveals that after the introduction of ridesharing, traffic fatalities steadily increased as our roads become crowded with more vehicles.

Rideshare drivers and passengers are not the only victims. The study also revealed: “In cities that have introduced ridesharing, bike and pedestrian fatalities from accidents involving cars have increased at a similar rate to all driving fatalities.”

The costs of ridesharing may also outweigh the benefits. The increase in fatalities due to ridesharing comes with a cost of $10 billion, and these costs do not include non-fatal accidents.

If you have suffered an injury at the hands of a driver for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, TKK will provide you with the representation you need. We will help you seek compensation for an assault, robbery, or any other form of harm that was done to you and your family. Contact our Chicago rideshare injury lawyers at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation today.

Source:

https://bfi.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/BFI_RB_Barrios_The-Cost-of-Convenience_Ridesharing-and-Traffic-Fatalities.pdf