Sharing a ride is by no means a new invention. It has been around since World War 1 when the U.S. government needed to conserve rubber for the war. People continued to share rides in the following decades voluntarily. Still, it wasn’t until 2010 that a new way to rideshare became widely available. The transport and mobility sector has continued to experience profound transformations due to the increase in population, especially in urban areas, and the overwhelming beginning of technological innovations, which have changed consumption habits. Today, the formation of new services such as Uber and Cabify has dominated the rideshare market in the United States.
Ridesharing has increased exponentially in popularity and ease of use; the worldwide market is estimated at $85.8 billion, and as of 2022, about 36% of Americans have used a ridesharing app. Furthermore, many people rely on Uber, Lyft, and other smaller rideshare companies because of their low cost and unmatched convenience of traveling by automobile. It eliminates the need for a designated driver because you can summon one at nearly any time, day or night, from an app on your phone. However, being involved in a ridesharing accident is becoming increasingly common, and as a victim of rideshare accidents, you are entitled to compensation from the rideshare company. Studies show that introducing ridesharing is at least partially responsible for a 3% annual increase in U.S. fatal accidents since 2010. The 3% increase attributed to ridesharing has resulted in 987 additional deaths yearly.
6 ways government can reduce ridesharing accident
The government can reduce ridesharing accidents by implementing policies and regulations that promote driver safety. These policies may include more laws on seatbelt usage, speed limits, and the use of mobile phones while driving. The government can also require rideshare companies to conduct background checks and provide safety training to their drivers. Here are 6 effective ways that the government can minimize rideshare accidents;
- Implement stricter regulations: The government can impose stricter regulations on rideshare companies to ensure that their drivers follow safe driving practices. For instance, the government can require rideshare companies to conduct regular safety training for their drivers and ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected.
- Create driver education programs: The government can implement driver education programs that promote safe driving practices. These programs can include training on the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Create public awareness campaigns: The government can launch public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of safe driving practices. These campaigns can be designed to educate the public on the dangers of unsafe driving and encourage individuals to make responsible choices while driving.
- Incentivize safe driving: The government can provide incentives for safe driving practices, such as reduced insurance rates for drivers who have not been involved in accidents. These incentives can encourage drivers to prioritize safety and promote safer driving practices on the road.
- Implement better vehicle inspections: The government can require rideshare companies to conduct more comprehensive vehicle inspections to ensure that all vehicles are in good working condition. This can include checking the brakes, tires, and other critical components of the vehicle to prevent breakdowns or malfunctions while on the road. Regular inspections can help identify potential safety issues early on, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Enforce limits on driving hours: The government can impose limits on the number of hours that rideshare drivers can work in a single day or week. This can help prevent fatigue, which is a common cause of accidents on the road. By enforcing limits on driving hours, the government can help ensure that rideshare drivers are alert and focused while on the road, reducing the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue.
Final Note
When people use Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies, they do so with the assumption that drivers will follow the rules. However, that’s only sometimes the case. As more commuters use these services, accidents increase in frequency and severity. We hope our article helped you to learn about the six important things that government can do to decrease rideshare accidents.
