Ride Sharing Services May Be Driving Up Traffic Deaths

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are putting more cars on the road and contributing to more traffic problems as a result.

Not only do rideshare services increase traffic congestion and pollution, but recent studies have shown that ride-sharing services may be driving up traffic deaths. 

While Uber and Lyft have been credited with keeping impaired drivers off the road, the increased presence of ride-hailing drivers means more cars are on the road and the risks of traffic-related deaths have increased as a result.

In already high-transit states like California, this is especially concerning to California ride sharing accident attorneys who help car crash victims in the aftermath of an accident. 

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Statistics

Data reported by the NHTSA supports an increase in traffic fatalities related to the introduction of rideshare services in cities across the United States, 

By studying traffic-related deaths before and after rideshare services were introduced in specific cities, analysts concluded that fatal car wrecks rose roughly 3% annually after rideshare services were introduced.  

The Quantity Effect on California Traffic Fatalities 

When examining how rideshare services contribute to traffic fatalities, Rice University Professor Yael V. Hochberg and colleagues analyzed the NHTSA data and authored their conclusions in a recently released paper. 

In their  working paper released by the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, Professor Hochberg and colleagues reported that the increase in fatal traffic accidents connected to rideshare services correlated to a “quantity effect.” The quantity effect identifies that the more cars there are on the street, the more reasonable it is that accidents will increase. 

The availability of on-demand, ride-hailing transit has reduced pedestrian traffic, carpooling, and the use of multi-passenger public transportation. For every person that wouldn’t have been in a car previously, there are now many more vehicles on the street to transport them.

The Risks and Costs of Rideshare Accidents

The risks of auto accident deaths affect more than rideshare passengers and drivers. Deadly rideshare vehicle accidents also victimize other vehicle occupants, cyclists, and pedestrians.

We should also consider the cumulative, actual costs of rideshare accidents in our communities. Rideshare fatal and non-fatal injury vehicle accidents impose a significant economic burden on society. Property damage, emergency response services, medical and disability claims, and legislative and legal costs are all factors that affect communities impacted by increased roadway fatalities and vehicle accidents. 

Reach Out to a California Personal Injury Attorney About Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services provide convenience and quick access to transportation. This has been especially valuable in reducing the number of drunk drivers on the roads, and rideshare companies should be credited for that benefit. But, other undeniable and deadly risks are associated with the increased vehicle traffic these services create.

If you have been injured in a California rideshare accident, you may be confused as to your rights. It’s wise to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate a potential claim for compensation.

To learn more about rideshare accidents and your rights, contact an experienced California personal injury attorney today. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to injury or wrongful death compensation. Get in touch with our office today.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.