Some people despise them, while others are completely dependent on them. In either case, no one can deny that ride-hailing services, often erroneously referred to as ridesharing, have unalterably changed transportation in America. However, many people do not have a detailed understanding of how ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft operate.
This lack of understanding can prove detrimental to those injured in an accident involving a driver for a ride-hailing service. The following is an attempt to debunk some of the most common myths about ride-hailing services.
Ride-hailing services help decrease accidents
Proponents often make the case that ride-hailing services take drunk drivers off the streets, making them safer for others. While it is undoubtedly safer for an inebriated driver to ride home in a hired car than to attempt to drive, it may be erroneous to say that ride-hailing services decrease accidents overall. According to Forbes, the risk of having so many more vehicles on the road at once may decrease the benefit of removing some drivers who are unfit.
The driver’s insurance will cover anyone injured in an accident
Uber and Lyft do have insurance policies for all their drivers. However, the coverage amounts vary depending on whether the driver had a passenger engaged at the time. If the driver was still waiting for a fare at the time of the accident, the amount of coverage available for injuries from an accident is considerably less.
Ride-hailing helps reduce carbon emissions
According to The Verge, ride-hailing services produce an average of 69% more pollution than the trips they displace. However, it is possible for people who use ride-hailing services to reduce their carbon footprint by pooling rides with others whenever possible.