February 25, 2025 | Personal Injury
Ridesharing has become one of the most popular forms of transportation in Edmond, Oklahoma City, and throughout the surrounding region. You may be wondering: Is the increase in ridesharing causing more accidents? The issue is somewhat unclear, but the data has found a slight increase in traffic collisions associated with more ridesharing vehicles being on the road. Here, our Edmond ridesharing accident attorney discusses the risks posed by Uber and Lyft in more detail.
Study Links Rise of Ridesharing Vehicles to Slight Increase in Overall Traffic Collisions
A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that there is a connection between the number of ridesharing vehicles that enter a community and the total number of traffic collisions. Indeed, the researchers found a connection between the increase in ridesharing services—such as those operated by Uber and Lyft—and a consequential (modest) uptick in the number of overall traffic collisions. To be clear, the increase is not dramatic. The study cited puts the association between the rise of ridesharing and the increase in crashes at about three percent.
The Reasons Why Ridesharing Vehicles May Be More Likely to End Up in a Crash
Why would rideshare vehicles in Edmond or elsewhere in Oklahoma be more likely to end up in an accident? There are many potential reasons. Here are some of the possible causes that are cited by researchers as explanatory factors in the link between Uber/Lyft vehicles and crashes:
- Pressure to Pick Up More Passengers: Ridesharing drivers in Oklahoma are not employees; they are independent contractors. They only get paid for the rides they actually provide. These drivers often feel compelled to accept multiple ride requests in a short period to maximize their earnings. They may go faster and otherwise rush, which can increase the risk of an accident.
- More Frequent Stops Than Most Other Vehicles: Ubers and Lyfts stop more frequently than most other vehicles. These stops are often made in busy areas, which disrupts the flow of traffic around them. That can be a safety hazard. There is a risk of both rear-end collisions as well as pedestrian crashes and/or cyclist crashes.
- Drivers on Unfamiliar Routes: Finally, many ridesharing drivers—who are often part-time—are on unfamiliar routes. When people drive in a place they do not know well, their risk of crashing rises. Inexperience with local traffic patterns and road layouts can result in poor driving decisions under pressure. Further, GPS navigation devices, while useful, can be a distraction to drivers.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Edmond Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Edmond ridesharing accident lawyers are skilled, justice-focused advocates for injured victims. If you were hurt in an Uber accident or a Lyft accident, please do not hesitate to contact us for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. From our Edmond law office, we handle ridesharing accident claims throughout the wider region.