Rideshare services like Lyft have become a routine part of life for many people. Whether you’re heading home after a night out, commuting to work, or getting to the airport, using an app to request a ride is quick and convenient. But with the convenience comes a natural question: how safe are Lyft rides, really? Our Santa Monica, CA Lyft accident lawyer is here to provide insight about rideshare safety as well as your legal options if you’ve been injured or harmed during a ride. We can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Lyft History And Safety Stats To Consider
While most Lyft rides are uneventful, incidents do happen. According to Lyft’s own Community Safety Report, the company received over 4,000 reports of sexual assaults between 2017 and 2019. In addition, the same report disclosed 105 motor vehicle fatalities involving Lyft rides during that period.
These numbers don’t account for unreported incidents or those not categorized under the company’s criteria. For context, Lyft provided more than 1.4 billion rides in that timeframe—but the volume doesn’t erase the real harm experienced by those involved in these serious events.
Driver Background Checks
Driver screening is one safety feature that Lyft promotes. Lyft performs criminal background checks and driving history reviews before allowing someone to drive on the platform. However, reports have surfaced showing that some drivers with violent criminal histories or poor driving records have slipped through the cracks. A CNN investigation from 2018 revealed that rideshare companies had hired thousands of drivers with criminal backgrounds that should have disqualified them.
Vehicle Safety Requirements
Another safety concern relates to vehicle maintenance and inspection. Lyft vehicles are generally personal cars owned and maintained by individual drivers. While Lyft requires vehicles to pass an inspection, it’s still up to each driver to keep their car in safe condition. There’s no centralized oversight on the day-to-day safety of each vehicle, which can increase risks, especially if a driver is cutting corners or unaware of a developing issue.
Driving Habits
There’s also the issue of distracted driving. Lyft drivers rely heavily on the app for directions and ride requests. Even though phones are typically mounted, the need to accept rides or communicate with passengers during a trip can lead to driver distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed around 3,275 lives in the U.S. in 2023. Rideshare drivers are not immune from this risk.
Riders also face potential harm from third-party drivers. Lyft vehicles don’t stand out the way traditional taxis do, which has led to tragic incidents where passengers mistakenly enter the wrong vehicle.
One well-known case occurred in South Carolina in 2019, when a college student got into a car she believed to be her Uber and was later found murdered. In response, Lyft and other companies implemented features like license plate verification and ride check-in prompts, but the responsibility still often falls on the rider to confirm details before entering a vehicle.
How To Protect Yourself
As a rider, you can take several steps to stay safe. Always verify the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before getting in. Ride with friends when possible, especially at night. Share your trip status with someone you trust. And if something feels off, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride.
Legal Help Is Here When You Need It
You have the right to feel safe during any Lyft ride. At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we represent individuals who have been seriously hurt in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. If something went wrong during your trip, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Contact our office today to set up a free consultation with skilled car accident attorneys. We’ll help you understand what to do next.