Are Rush Hour Rideshare Rides More Dangerous?
Whether you’re commuting to work or heading to an appointment, booking a quick ride in an Uber and Lyft has never been easier. But many people don’t stop to consider the risks involved, especially during peak traffic hours. There are times of day when there are elevated accident risks. Rush hour is one period of time, and other high-risk periods include late night, early morning, and weekend evenings.
From 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. fatigue and impaired driving are more common and on weekends Increased traffic around entertainment areas and possible intoxicated drivers can make roads more hazardous. If you or someone you care about was injured while traveling in a rideshare vehicle, discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer.
Reasons Rush Hour Can Be Riskier
Rush hour typically refers to the time windows between 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., the hours when the roads are most congested with commuters. During these times, the chances of being involved in a collision increase significantly due to more cars on the road, which means less space and less time to react. Rear-end collisions and side-swipes are especially common in stop-and-go traffic.
Additionally, rideshare drivers often rely on apps to navigate, accept new ride requests, or communicate with passengers. These are all distractions that can be dangerous in high-traffic conditions. Fatigue and stress may play a role in collisions too as many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes driving both before and after a full-time job. Rush hour traffic can increase stress, potentially impacting reaction times and judgment.
Steps to Support a Safe Ride
While you can’t control the road conditions or your driver’s habits, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury when traveling in an Uber or Lyft.
- Always wear your seatbelt. Even in the back seat, wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces your chance of serious injury in a crash.
- Check the vehicle and driver info. Before getting in, confirm the license plate, make/model, and driver photo through the app.
- Avoid distractions. While it’s okay to relax or check your phone from time to time, stay alert to your surroundings and the route your driver is taking.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe for any reason don’t hesitate to end the ride early. Ask to be let out in a safe location or contact local authorities if necessary.
- Report unsafe behavior. Use the app to report any reckless driving or inappropriate behavior. This helps protect other riders, too.
Rideshare collisions involve complex insurance and liability issues. Following an injury in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other service, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine fault while negotiating with insurance companies. Legal guidance is key to securing the compensation you deserve.
How are you faring after an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach? Share the specifics of your situation with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
