Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing is popular for many reasons. The cost of the car payments for a new car is out of reach for many, and the prices of used vehicles have skyrocketed due to supply chain problems keeping the inventory of new cars low. Compared to taking taxis or trying to navigate public transportation, ridesharing has become a better option for millions.

Is ridesharing safe?

Science magazine reports that some research shows that rideshare accidents are responsible for a 2% to 3% increase in deaths from traffic accidents since 2011. Maybe that small percentage does not seem like much. However, in the United States, such an increase represents around 987 deaths per day caused by the increased number of ridesharing vehicles on the road.

Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents

Here are some common causes of ridesharing accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of all traffic accidents. Accidents happen when the driver of a vehicle becomes distracted while driving by using a mobile phone for talking or texting. Another distraction that may cause an accident is if the driver adjusts a radio or media player.

To this list of distractions, add distractions caused by the passengers. In a ridesharing situation, passengers may wish to talk with the driver. It is common for the driver to look into the rearview mirror if the passenger is talking while sitting in the backseat.

Frequently looking in the mirror takes the driver’s eyes away from the road, and the driver no longer observes what might be in front of the vehicle. A car in front may suddenly stop, causing the rideshare vehicle to hit it.

Accidents During Pick Up or Drop Off

Rideshare vehicles have to stop to pick up customers. Safely doing this is not easy. The rideshare driver may be unfamiliar with the area and have trouble identifying the passenger(s) to pick up.

Rideshare vehicles do not have any prominent special markings, so other drivers do not know that they are different from regular traffic. A car that suddenly swerves, cuts off other vehicles, stopping to pick someone up or drop someone off is a common mistake that causes accidents.

Impaired Driving

Some rideshare drivers also have other jobs, and ridesharing is something they do as an extra gig to make money in their time-off from other work. They may be exhausted from working so much.

Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs are other causes of accidents. Not only do illegal drugs cause problems, but so do some prescribed medications that make people feel drowsy when they take them.

Bad Weather and Holidays

Rideshare usage increases during bad weather and holidays when people prefer not to drive. Bad weather conditions cause accidents. When more ridesharing vehicles are on the roads, your chances of being in a ridesharing accident increase.

Get the Help You Need

If you or a loved one is involved in a ridesharing accident, reach out to us at (281) 475-4535 to get a free consultation with an attorney specializing in ridesharing accidents.