Ride Safe, Chicago: Essential Tips for Using Uber and Lyft

In recent months, Chicago has encountered serious safety issues with ridesharing services, with multiple incidents of drivers being attacked or killed: there were six robberies of drivers that occurred in the month of January 2024. Other incidents around the nation have involved people posing as Uber drivers and committing violent crimes.

Chicago has also gained unwelcome attention as the city ranked number 10 for the worst Uber riders, according to Uber's 2022 data. While the exact reasons behind this ranking remain uncertain, it brings to light a more general picture of safety issues and respect for both riders and drivers.

Chicago’s Uber Rider Rating in Context

Uber's 2022 rider ratings ranked New York City at number one for worst-rated riders, followed by Seattle, Washington D.C., Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Chicago. While the specific reasons behind Chicago riders' negative ratings remain unclear, safety issues cannot be ignored.?

Safety and Crime for Uber Drivers in Chicago

The surge in crimes targeting rideshare drivers in Chicago calls for urgent action to safeguard both drivers and passengers. Negative rider behaviors are often linked with broader road safety issues and accidents.

For instance, passengers exhibiting aggressive behavior or being under the influence of alcohol can create scenarios where drivers are forced to defuse confrontations, diverting their attention from the road.?

This increases the risk of car accidents as well as physical altercations between a rider and driver. Drivers working in high-crime areas are also likely to be a bit uncomfortable and experience anxiety, which can take their focus off the road, leading to accidents.?

Liability in Uber Accidents and Criminal Acts

In Uber accidents and incidents involving criminal acts, liability can potentially involve several parties depending on the specific circumstances of each incident.?

Generally, if an Uber driver is at fault for the accident while using the app, both the driver's and Uber's insurance policies may come into play. However, Uber typically cannot be sued for accidents as their drivers are considered independent contractors.

Separate from accidents, if an Uber interaction leads to criminal acts such as assault by a driver or passenger, responsibility would primarily lie with the individual committing the crime. However, depending upon local laws and specifics of public safety measures in place (like background checks), there might be theoretical scenarios where Uber could face liability under negligence claims for failing to ensure user safety adequately.?

Improving Uber Rider Safety in Chicago

In the wake of rising concerns about crime related to Uber in Chicago, there are several proactive strategies that can be implemented to enhance the safety of Uber riders and help build a more secure and reliable service environment, including:?

• Educational Initiatives: With the right knowledge, rideshare users can be better equipped to understand their role in safety and how to avoid potentially risky situations.
• Community-based efforts: Local organizations and groups can mobilize resources to engage riders at a grassroots level, fostering a collective commitment towards creating safer rider experiences.
• Ride-share company leadership: Companies like Uber can take charge by integrating crime prevention strategies into their service models and prioritizing passenger safety through both policy actions and practical measures.?
• In-app tutorials: In-app tutorials could guide riders step by step through using the Uber app’s built-in safety features to increase their efficacy. This content would help in empowering the users which would subsequently reduce the risks of harm.

Tips to Keep Chicago Uber Riders Safe from Harm

In the bustling city of Chicago, securing a safe Uber ride extends beyond calling for the ride; it requires proactive measures from riders themselves. Here are vital tips to ensure your protection on every trip:

• Verify Your Ride: Before stepping into an Uber, always check that the license plate, driver, and name match up with what's provided in your app - this simple act can prevent you from falling victim to imposters.
• Share Your Trip Details With Friends or Family: Make use of Uber's feature that allows sharing trip details with trusted contacts; it enables loved ones to track your journey and ensures that if anything doesn't go according to plan, someone will be alerted quickly.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Even as you monitor your phone for ride status updates, remain observant of the area and who's around you when waiting for your Uber. Also keep an eye on where you’re being driven and how the driver is acting when you're in the vehicle.?
• Report Behavior: If something feels off or you suspect criminal behavior, report it immediately through the app so that appropriate actions can be taken to ensure community safety. If necessary, report to law enforcement.
• Use Safety Features in App: Familiarize yourself with the safety features built into the Uber app, such as the emergency 911 button and real-time location sharing. Knowing how to swiftly access these tools can make all the difference in critical situations where time is of the essence.

The Bottom Line

The specific reasons behind Chicago's unfortunate ranking as having some of the most challenging Uber riders remain vague, but it still shines a light on issues surrounding safety when using ridesharing services.??

If an incident occurs where you are harmed while using a rideshare service—either through an accident or an intentional crime—consider seeking legal counsel. Being well-informed about your rights and the potential for compensation through a legal claim can be essential in addressing immediate harm and long-term impacts on your wellbeing.?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC

225 W Wacker Dr #1660, Chicago, IL 60606