Is Ridesharing Safe?

Since the emergence of rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft there has been a steady stream of commentary and news concerning their safety. When it comes to driver background checks, insurance, privacy, and vehicle inspections some claim that rideshare rides pose a greater threat to passengers than taxi rides.

In my Policy Analysis “Is Ridesharing Safe?” I examine the safety concerns related to ridesharing. While there are legitimate safety concerns, rideshare companies offer insurance coverage that compares favorably to the coverage for many taxis and are oftentimes more strict than taxi companies in regards to driver background checks. In fact, not only do ridesharing companies implement strict background check requirements, they also use features such as two-way rating systems that encourage good behavior on the part of both the passenger and the driver.

From the Paper:

An analysis of the safety regulations governing vehicles for hire does not suggest that ridesharing companies ought to be more strictly regulated. It does highlight, however, that in many parts of the country lawmakers and regulators have not adequately adapted to the rise of ridesharing, which fits awkwardly into existing regulatory frameworks governing taxis.

Read the full Policy Analysis here.