SURVEY Finds that One-Third of Rideshare Drivers Have Been in a Car Crash While Working
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation—but a newly published study (April 2024) reveals a serious safety issue affecting the drivers behind the wheel. According to research out of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), a staggering one-third of rideshare drivers surveyed have been involved in a car crash while working.
This study, recently featured in the Journal of Safety Research, is one of the first to offer concrete data on the risks faced by drivers in the gig economy. It surveyed 277 rideshare drivers, capturing self-reported data about crash history and driving behaviors.
Distractions and Fatigue: A Dangerous Mix
The research found several key factors that increased crash risk:
- Cellphone Use: While cellphones are essential for receiving rides and navigating, their use behind the wheel increases the potential for distraction.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive as a second job, meaning they’re often tired when they hit the road.
- Unfamiliar Roads: Regularly driving in new areas can heighten crash risk, especially under pressure to reach passengers quickly.
Rideshare Drivers Have Higher Accident Rates on Non-Interstates
The issue of unfamiliar roads may be a factor in the results of another recent study, this one by George Mason University professor, which found that Rideshare drivers (e.g. Uber and Lyft) have a much higher rate of non-fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled on non-interstate roads.
“Human drivers are involved in 224 non-fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled on non-interstate roads. Rideshare drivers (e.g. Uber and Lyft) have a much higher rate of nearly 1,400 crashes.” Source: Landline, March 11, 2025.
What This Means for Victims of Rideshare Accidents
At Drazin and Warshaw, we understand the complexities of rideshare accidents. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you need a legal team that knows how to navigate these nuances.
Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
UIC Today article here: One-third of ride-share drivers have had a crash on the job, survey finds
