Rideshare growth linked to increased traffic fatality risks

Research and government reports indicate that the growth of ride-hailing services in the United States is linked to increased safety concerns and traffic risks. A 2020 National Bureau of Economic Research working paper associated the introduction of ride-hailing in U.S. cities with a roughly 3% increase in traffic fatalities and fatal accidents, impacting vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Beyond direct crash risks, the expansion of these services has been linked to higher vehicle miles traveled, increased congestion, greater traffic delays, and higher gasoline consumption. While ridesharing meets significant transportation needs, a 2024 Government Accountability Office report noted persistent safety concerns from policymakers and advocacy groups. Additionally, research has not found sufficient evidence that ride-hailing reduces drunk-driving-related fatal crashes enough to offset the broader risks associated with its growth.

Data limitations remain a challenge for researchers. For instance, while New York City provides detailed views into crashes involving for-hire vehicles through its Taxi and Limousine Commission, the data does not allow for a clean isolation of specific crashes involving platforms like Uber or Lyft.