On behalf of Shea & Shea – A Professional Law Corporation on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
In recent years, Uber has experimented with self-driving vehicles. When one of these self-driving cars struck a pedestrian, it forced the company to suspend the project in California.
While these autonomous vehicles are still a long way from widespread use, there is still the risk that people can sustain injuries from getting into an Uber with a human driver behind the wheel. Passengers have suffered injuries to the knees, hands, neck and head from Uber drivers not paying attention. There are many reasons why this happens, and it is vital to be cognizant if you suspect that your Uber driver is not fit to drive.
Fatigue
Uber has released an update preventing any of its drivers from working longer than a 12-hour shift. However, when drivers need money, they can find ways around this loophole. Many drivers work for both Uber and Lyft, so when they reach the limit for one, they simply switch over to the other. Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can be particularly prevalent in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco where the cost of living is so much higher, and drivers may need to work more to make ends meet.
Failure to obey signs
Any driver risks getting in an accident by speeding or running a stop sign. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are more likely to engage in this behavior because the faster they drop someone off, the more fares they can get. It is critical to remind your driver of the laws and to tip handsomely for great, safe service.
Poor maintenance
Uber drivers are responsible for taking care of the repairs to their own vehicles, and Uber does not help with the cost at all. Therefore, many drivers forego such maintenance because they want to keep more money as profit. Pay attention to the vehicle as it pulls up, and if it does not feel safe, then you should get another car to pick you up.