Safety Tips for Drivers and Passengers Using Uber and Lyft

Caution to Convenience 

Uber and Lyft completely changed the public transportation system. The rideshare revolution created a new way of traveling and added a source of income for many.  Although public transportation options have increased, taxi companies now have increased competition. Some of the obvious benefits of using a ridesharing service are proof that there was a gap that needed to be filled.  

If you are old enough, you’ll remember “don’t get in cars with strangers” being a warning. Exercising extreme caution when traveling alone was highly encouraged. That has changed but also with a different level of caution. We live in times where convenience is preferred. Now riding with strangers is a widely accepted option; still, we must err on the side of caution with this new revolution.  One of the major concerns is the likelihood of increased accidents and other criminal activities. 

Accidents aren’t new and there is always a chance of one happening.  We listed some in this article about Reducing Accidents on Our Roads. But what happens when your Uber or Lyft driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident?

In this article, we’ll cover some rideshare driving requirements and safety tips for drivers and passengers. 

 Uber and Lyft currently dominate the market over taxis. Zippia reported that as of 2021, the rideshare industry made $117 billion in sales. That number increased up 50% from 2020, showing just how rapidly ridesharing services are growing. Further, that trend is expected to continue, with ridesharing sales projected to grow through 2026.

Rideshare Driving Requirements and Safety

According to Pew Research Center, 36% more Americans are using ridesharing services, according to a study conducted in 2019, which was 50% more than in 2015.

In May 2017, Florida created the ridesharing law to protect both drivers and users. Here are the current requirements for all ridesharing companies operating in Florida:

• Display the license plate number and picture of the driver, visible before the passenger gets into the vehicle.

• Implement a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and/or drug use while driving.

• All drivers on the National Sex Offender Public Website are banned from operation.

• Run criminal background checks on every potential driver.

• Examine driving history and accident reports for each potential driver.

These new guidelines are meant to protect passengers and other drivers from reckless or irresponsible rideshare drivers and to ensure their safety and well-being.

In addition to insurance requirements, Uber and Lyft driver and vehicle requirements vary in different cities in Florida. Particularly for Uber, while it does vary by city, the service offering is also a key factor. 

For Lyft:

• The car must have at least four doors.

• The vehicle must have between five and eight seats. This includes the driver, so the car needs to seat, at minimum, four passengers.

• The car needs to be registered with valid license plates. It also should be listed on a personal insurance policy or rideshare insurance policy issued in Florida.

• The car's model year needs to be 2002 or newer—except in Miami, Orlando, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Naples, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, or Tampa, where your model year must be 2006 or newer.

For Uber: 

• The car must have four doors.

• There can be no cosmetic damage or commercial branding on the car.

• The car can't be marked, salvaged, or rebuilt.

• No taxis, government vehicles, vans, or box trucks.

• The car must have working windows and air conditioning, and it must be in good condition with no cosmetic damage to the vehicle.

• Aftermarket parts can't be used in the seating area, such as non-factory-installed seat belts.

As per the rule of law, every person operating a motor vehicle must have insurance. The rule is no different for ride-share companies or individuals who use their vehicles to provide the service. As with many major changes in our communities, ensuring that new liabilities are covered. The ridesharing law in Florida also does cover issues surrounding insurance. 

To properly understand the Florida rideshare insurance regulations, you need to know about the four periods that companies like Uber and Lyft  have outlined:

• Period 0: The app is off, and you're driving for personal reasons.

• Period 1: The app is on, and you're waiting to accept a ride request.

• Period 2: You've accepted a ride request and are on your way to pick up your rider.

• Period 3: You're driving the rider to their destination.

Under Florida law, your personal auto insurance policy covers all accidents during Period 0 — Uber and Lyft have no insurance responsibilities when you're driving off-app.

But that changes with Period 1. At that point, Florida rideshare insurance regulations require Uber and Lyft to provide at least:

• $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person

• $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident

With Periods 2 and 3, the insurance requirements increase to $1 million in each instance. Once you've dropped off a passenger, you return to Period 1 (as long as you're still on the app), and the lower minimums apply.

Regardless of the period, Florida also requires coverage for personal injury protection and underinsured/uninsured motorists.

It's crucial to note that even when they comply with Florida rideshare insurance rules, transportation network companies can still require high deductibles. Plus, the required minimums for Period 1 may not be enough to cover all damages.

Why Do Passengers Choose Uber or Lyft?

Improvements in communication methods, particularly mobile applications for ridesharing services have made it significantly easier to move from one place to the next. The added features have eliminated some of the many safety concerns that people have had about hailing suspicious appearing taxis. Almost 99% of all Uber or Lyft rides have been reported successfully completed. On the other hand, it has been reported that Uber drivers are involved in more accidents than regular taxis. So, why are more riders using rideshare services? The convenience.

So, here are some reasons why more people are using Uber/Lyft: 

Faster trips

Ridesharing requests are faster, which means that users are more likely to get to their destination faster. In addition, public transportation and other taxi services may not be readily available late at night. 

Safety

Uber and Lyft drivers must submit a yearly which includes a motor driving history, and criminal background. 

Dependability 

Riding on the coattails of safety is dependability. Users request rides in locations sometimes inaccessible by taxis due to safety concerns. While Uber and Lyft drivers can refuse to accept those requests, the likelihood is low. 

Ride Tracking

The technology used to request rides allow users to track their drivers and share their location with third parties for safety reasons. 

Price Estimate

The pre-ride price estimates that Uber and Lyft provide are a guarantee and based on the tiers of drivers. Taxi prices most times change after a ride has begun.

Ridesharing Rider Tips

Even with the added convenience, as a rider, your safety should be at the forefront of your mind. Here are some things that you can do while using a rideshare service.

1. If you are requesting a ride at night, stay indoors until your driver arrives.

2. Check the license plate every time before entering the vehicle. There is also an option to utilize PIN verification. If you are riding alone, using that as a precaution is recommended. 

3. Share your location with a trusted friend or family member. 

4. Trust your instincts. But also utilize the safety feature in the application for added measure. 

What Can Drivers Do

Drivers too must exercise caution throughout their journey. Here are some things drivers can do to improve their driving experience and increase safety:

1. Avoid Picking Up in Dangerous Places

Exercise caution when picking up passengers in locations without proper lighting or known for dangerous activities. Especially late at night. 

2. Report Passenger Behavior

 Riders can rate drivers, so it is important to rate your riders as well. This helps to avoid passengers with poor behavior.

3. Install A Dash Cam

Safety is key, and having a record of activities, particularly with passengers behaving poorly is important to have.

4. Get Additional Insurance Protection

Ensure that there are no gaps in your insurance. In the event of an accident, you want to ensure that both you and your passengers have adequate coverage.

5. Use Devices Carefully

GPS navigation and technology are what run the Uber/Lyft system. Properly mount your devices in accessible locations. Also, avoid taking calls or texting while driving. 

6.  Take Breaks 

Driving for long hours can cause extreme fatigue. Be sure to take breaks while clocking those hours. 

But with all the reasons riders opt to use ridesharing, they are still prone to accidents.  Even with insurance and added safety, there is no telling what can happen on the roads. As always, it is both the driver and passenger to adhere to the standard set by the ridesharing companies but also maintain personal responsibility and safety. 

There is always recourse; If you were a driver or passenger involved in an Uber/Lyft related accident, we can help.  Call or Text the Daniel Sagiv Law Group at 561-569-1387.