You could easily assume that rideshare services would have a beneficial impact on reducing car accidents, especially those related to drunk driving. They help to prevent people from getting behind the wheel when they are in no shape to drive. They also help reduce the number of cars on the road.
However, U.S. News and World Report explains that since rideshare services have grown in numbers, it has reduced specific types of crashes but the overall number of accidents has gone up. There are a couple of main reasons for this.
Decrease in DUIs
The decrease in drunk driving is rather obvious. Rideshare companies are accomplishing what they set out to do by helping people avoid getting behind the wheel when intoxicated. It seems that people are taking advantage of the services, which means far fewer drunk drivers on the roads.
Increase in accidents
Rideshare drivers are often working in areas they may not be familiar with. This means they use GPS services a lot more than the average driver. Using GPS can be quite distracting, leading to them not paying as much attention when driving. Not only could this lead to an accident with another vehicle but it also increases the chances of an accident with a pedestrian.
Pedestrians are not completely without fault, though. They also have distractions. Many pedestrians are not paying attention and looking down at their phones when near or crossing roadways. Since rideshare vehicles may drop off and pickup people almost anywhere along a roadway, pedestrians need to be alert and aware of the potential for vehicles to pull away from the curb at any point.
