Ryan Findlay | November 26, 2024 | Personal Injury
Is Taking an Uber Safer Than Using a Taxi?
Although modern automobiles feature an array of safety features, including seat belts, airbags, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), and more, about 20 to 50 million people worldwide are injured in car crashes each year. Further, studies have shown that professional drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents.
While this could be attributed to several factors, including the fact that they spend a lot more time behind the wheel than the average driver, it may give you pause when choosing the type of vehicle you hire for transport. Is a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft better than a taxi? Which is safer and why?
Driver Screening Processes For Uber & Lyft vs. Taxi Services
When traversing dangerous roads and intersections, you want to make sure the person behind the wheel is qualified to get you from point A to point B safely. Although rideshare apps are relatively new in the driver-for-hire marketplace, companies like Uber and Lyft have taken steps to ensure consumer safety.
These companies work with a third-party consumer reporting agency called Checkr that screens candidates by accessing public records, including driving records, education and employment history, court documents, and more.
Background checks help rideshare companies discover if candidates lied on their applications or if they have:
- A criminal record
- A history of driving violations
- A valid driver’s license
- A vehicle that meets safety standards
- Adequate insurance
Candidates must pass the background check before they can drive for rideshare services. Typically, taxi drivers must also undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes a background check. In addition, they are employees of the taxi service, not just gig workers, so they must complete in-person interviews.
The Pros and Cons of Taxis vs. Uber
When it comes to choosing Uber vs. Lyft vs. taxi, you’ll find there are several pros and cons to consider. For starters, taxis have a lot more oversight. Vehicles must have regular maintenance, and cabs are equipped with security cameras that are monitored by the company for driver and passenger safety. There’s no guarantee of these safety features with rideshare vehicles.
Taxi services also have a number you can call if you feel unsafe or you’re dissatisfied. With rideshare services, you have little recourse except to give a driver a bad rating. Reporting issues to the company and receiving a meaningful response can be a tedious process.
On the other hand, ridesharing offers the convenience of ordering and paying through an app, as well as safety features like info about the vehicle and license plate, a photo of the driver, real-time GPS tracking, and in-app emergency calling. In some areas, it’s also much easier and faster to hire a rideshare.
Before diving into questions like “What is better, Uber or Lyft?” and “Are taxis cheaper than Uber?” you need to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of choosing these driving services.
Regulations To Protect the Public
With new products, services, and technologies, it takes the law a while to catch up. However, some jurisdictions are taking steps to ensure public safety when it comes to an Uber taxi vs. taxi services.
For example, Toronto is leading the pack with regulations such as:
- Mandatory city-approved driver training
- Minimum three years of driving experience
- “Watch for bike” notices in vehicles and in-app notifications for passengers
- In-vehicle notification if cameras are recording passengers
- In-vehicle mounts for a driver’s handheld devices
Rideshare companies are also required to pay per-trip fees toward the city’s accessibility fund, helping to offset the cost of providing wheelchair-accessible services.
Staying Safe and Responding To Accident Situations
Even with increasing regulations and consumer safety features, accidents can happen, resulting in injuries or even wrongful death. Whichever service you choose in the Uber and Lyft vs. taxi debate, you still have rights. If an accident occurs, seek medical attention and contact a qualified attorney to discuss your personal injury case.
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If you need legal help with a personal injury case, contact the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
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