With the increasing concern about climate change, many people have moved to other types of transportation, from riding their bikes to work and school to ridesharing. In fact, in 2021, ridesharing became a nearly $86 billion market.
With the significant increase in ridesharing, the number of ridesharing accidents has also increased. These are some statistics you should know.
Accident statistics
Every day, rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, provide approximately 15 million rides. One of the goals of these companies is to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads, and they have succeeded. However, the number of accidents has increased overall, from 2 to 3.5 per 100,000 people. In 2019, accidents involving DUIs have seen a 15-62% reduction, and traffic fatalities have seen a four percent reduction, while alcohol-related fatalities have decreased by more than six percent. In addition, accidents in large cities have dropped by 16%.
Rideshare statistics
It may surprise you to learn that 25% of accidents that occur today involve rideshare drivers or services. Rideshare accident fatalities also have also increased by three percent (nearly 1,000 lives) every year since these companies opened their doors.
Uber statistics
In 2019 and 2020, Uber tracked the accidents that involved its drivers. The company found that of the 91 reported fatal accidents, 101 people died. Although distracted driving is the number-one cause of rideshare accidents, the most significant causes of rideshare deaths included speeding (32%) and alcohol impairment (23%). In addition, Uber accidents involved pedestrians (64%), motorcyclists (29%), scooter or bicycle riders (7%) and vulnerable road users (42%). Most (909%) of these accidents happened in urban areas.
Unfortunately, as the rideshare market increases, traffic congestion and accident rates also increase.