Mark Roman | February 5, 2025 | Uber & Lyft Accidents
Within the last decade or so, ridesharing services like Uber have become a staple in the lives of millions across the country. Many people even prefer them over traditional transportation options like taxis. The question is, though, is Uber safer than taking a taxi? Here’s what you need to know.
Is Uber Safe?
Generally speaking, Uber rides are a safe mode of transportation. Uber publishes a comprehensive safety report every two years, with its most recent using data from 2021 and 2022. During that period, 127 fatal Uber-related crashes took place and resulted in 153 motor vehicle fatalities.
A fatality occurred about once every 12,000,000 trips, which sets the odds of being involved in a fatal crash while riding in an Uber very low. Uber also reports that safety-related concerns were reported for just 0.1% of trips. Of these, only 0.0002% of trips involved a critical safety incident, such as an Uber accident.
Are Yellow Cabs Safe?
Taxis are a relatively safe mode of transportation, but they aren’t quite as secure as ridesharing services like Uber. You may be surprised to learn that the color of your cab can actually impact your odds of being involved in a taxi crash.
Yellow taxis, such as those used by the Yellow Cab Company, are safer than blue taxis. They are involved in approximately 65.6 accidents per 1,000 taxis per month, compared to 71.7 crashes per month for blue cabs.
The available data suggests that bright yellow taxi cabs are easier to spot than their blue counterparts.
Despite these figures, it appears as though all taxis, including yellow cabs, are involved in more crashes than Ubers. Not only are accidents more common, but most taxis lack some of the modern technologies that can protect passengers in the event of a collision or other safety issue.
How Technology Helps Make Uber Safer Than Taxis
Uber has been extremely diligent about documenting safety incidents and proactively making its service safer for customers.
Some of the technology that promotes your safety while riding in an Uber vehicle includes the following:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Driver screening
- RideCheck feature
- In-app emergency button
- Two-way rating system
- Anonymized contact information
- Driver hour limits
- Speed alerts
Uber pre-screens all drivers before allowing them to operate on the platform. The company also carefully reviews any safety concerns to ensure that unsafe operators can be swiftly removed from the platform. These policies have helped keep accident frequency down, ensuring riders get to their destinations safely.
Taxis vs. Uber: Which Should You Choose?
Whether you are looking for a ride to the airport or simply need a ride home after a night out, setting up an Uber appears to be the safer option compared to hailing a traditional taxi. However, neither Uber nor taxi drivers are immune to all of the dangers associated with operating a vehicle, including distracted driving and fatigue.
As such, it’s important to be diligent when choosing to ride in any scenario. And if you or a loved one have been injured in an Uber or taxi accident, it’s not too late to fight for your rights. Taking swift action will hold the at-fault party accountable, and your actions could help protect another person from being harmed by a negligent driver.
Contact the Clearwater Uber Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with an uber accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
